Industrial vehicle for identifying malfunctioning sequenced tag and tag layout for use therewith

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an industrial vehicle is provided comprising industrial vehicle hardware, tag reader, reader module, user interface, and vehicle controller. The tag reader and reader module cooperate to identify individual sequenced tags along an aisle path of a tag layout in accordance with a sequence list accessible to the reader module. The reader module compares a succession of sequenced tags with at least a portion of the accessible sequence list to determine if the succession of sequenced tags is in sequence along the aisle path in accordance with the sequence list and generates a missing tag signal for a malfunctioning sequenced tag when the comparison of the succession of sequenced tags with the sequence list indicates a sequence irregularity in the plurality of sequenced tags. The reader module then correlates vehicle functionality with the malfunctioning sequenced tag when a missing tag signal is generated.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/157,863 (CRO 0057 MA), filed May 6, 2015, and 62/157,860 (CRO0056 MA), filed May 6, 2015.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to industrial vehicles and, morespecifically, to industrial vehicle control, monitoring, or navigationutilizing radio frequency identification tags, or other similar tagreading technology while accounting for malfunctioning tags in a taglayout.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an industrialvehicle is provided comprising industrial vehicle hardware, a tagreader, a reader module, a user interface, and a vehicle controller. Theindustrial vehicle hardware comprises storage and retrieval hardware anda vehicle drive mechanism. The tag reader and the reader modulecooperate to identify individual tags of a tag layout. The individualtags of the tag layout comprise a plurality of sequenced tags that aresequenced along an aisle path in accordance with a sequence list that isaccessible to the reader module. The reader module compares a successionof identified sequenced tags with at least a portion of the accessiblesequence list to determine if the succession of sequenced tags is insequence along the aisle path in accordance with the sequence list andgenerates a missing tag signal for a malfunctioning sequenced tag whenthe comparison of the succession of sequenced tags with the sequencelist indicates a sequence irregularity in the plurality of sequencedtags. The reader module then correlates vehicle functionality with themalfunctioning sequenced tag when a missing tag signal is generated.When a tag is identified, the reader module correlates vehiclefunctionality with the identified tag in the tag layout, tag-dependentpositional data derived from the identified tag in the tag layout, orboth. In this manner, the vehicle controller may control operationalfunctions of the industrial vehicle hardware in response to (i) thecorrelation of vehicle functionality with the malfunctioning sequencedtag when a missing tag signal is generated, (ii) the correlation ofvehicle functionality with an identified tag in the tag layout,tag-dependent positional data, or both, (iii) user input at the userinterface of the industrial vehicle, or (ii) combinations thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an industrialvehicle is provided where the industrial vehicle hardware comprises atravel distance sensor and the reader module comprises a reader memorycoupled to a reader processor. Each individual tag of the tag layoutcorresponds to a memory location in the reader memory. The memorylocations in the reader memory are stored in a known order correspondingto the sequence of the sequenced tags. The travel distance sensormeasures a tag distance from an identified sequence tag and the readermodule advances or retards the reader memory one memory location to anew memory location from the memory location corresponding to theidentified sequence tag when an error distance measurement threshold isexceeded by the tag distance measurement. The reader module alsocorrelates vehicle functionality corresponding to the new memorylocation with a current location of the industrial vehicle such that theadvancement or retardation from the memory location corresponding to theidentified sequence tag is dependent on a travel direction of theindustrial vehicle along the aisle path. The vehicle controller maycontrol operational functions of the industrial vehicle hardware inresponse to the correlation of vehicle functionality with the new memorylocation.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an industrialvehicle is provided where the storage and retrieval hardware of thevehicle is configured to store and retrieve items from selected storageelements positioned along an aisle path and the tag reader and thereader module cooperate to generate a travel direction signal from asuccession of identified sequence tags. The reader module compares asuccession of identified sequenced tags with at least a portion of theaccessible sequence list, derives a travel direction of the industrialvehicle along respective aisle paths from the succession of identifiedsequenced tags, and generates a travel direction signal indicative ofthe industrial vehicle along respective aisle paths. The vehiclecontroller controls operational functions of the storage and retrievalhardware partially as a function of the travel direction signal.

According to other embodiments of the present disclosure systemcomprising a remote computer and disclosed industrial vehicle areprovided. The remote computer may comprise a warehouse management systemand may provide an indication of a malfunctioning sequenced tag. Theremote computer may provide tag position data on a map indicative of theposition of the malfunctioning sequenced tag in the tag layout and maygenerate an email to a service technician with a notification of themalfunctioning sequenced tag in the tag layout.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an industrialvehicle is provided comprising industrial vehicle hardware, a userinterface, a tag reader, a reader module, and a vehicle controller. Theindustrial vehicle hardware comprises storage and retrieval hardware anda vehicle drive mechanism. The tag reader and the reader modulecooperate to identify individual tags of a tag layout. The individualtags of the tag layout comprise a plurality of zone identification tagsand a plurality of zone tags. Each zone identification tag occupies aposition in the tag layout that corresponds to a unique set of zonetags. Each unique set of zone tags comprises a plurality of zone tags.The reader module discriminates between the plurality of zoneidentification tags and the plurality of zone tags identified in the taglayout, correlates an identified zone identification tag with a uniqueset of zone tags, and correlates vehicle functionality with anidentified zone tag within the unique set of zone tags, tag-dependentpositional data derived from the identified zone tag, or both. Thevehicle controller controls operational functions of the industrialvehicle hardware in response to (i) the correlation of vehiclefunctionality with an identified zone tag, tag-dependent positionaldata, or both, (ii) user input at a user interface of the industrialvehicle, or (iii) both.

The vehicle functionality may comprise a lift height of the storage andretrieval hardware, a traveling speed of the vehicle drive mechanism, ora combination thereof. The lift height may comprise a range of liftheights and the traveling speed comprises a range of traveling speeds.

The individual tags of the tag layout may comprise a plurality offunction tags. The reader module may discriminate between the functiontags identified in the tag layout, and may correlate vehiclefunctionality, or at least partial negation of currently implementedvehicle functionality, with an identified function tag. The vehiclecontroller may control operational functions of the industrial vehiclehardware in response to the correlation of vehicle functionality with anidentified function tag. The plurality of zone tags may be spaced alongrespective aisle paths of a plurality of aisle paths and the respectiveaisle paths along which the plurality of zone tags are spaced maycomprise respective end points beyond which the plurality of functiontags may be positioned.

The plurality of zone tags may be spaced along an aisle path comprisingone or more aisle function zones and respective aisle function zones maybe bounded by function tags positioned on opposite sides of the aislefunction zone along the aisle path.

The individual tags of the tag layout may comprise a plurality of aisleextension tags and the reader module may correlate vehicle functionalitywith an identified aisle extension tag, tag-dependent positional dataderived from the identified aisle extension tag, or both. The vehiclecontroller may control operational functions of the industrial vehiclehardware in response to the correlation of vehicle functionality with anidentified aisle extension tag, tag-dependent positional data, or both.The plurality of zone tags may be spaced along respective aisle paths ofa plurality of aisle paths. The respective aisle paths may compriserespective aisle expansion areas beyond the respective end points of theaisle paths. The plurality of aisle extension tags may be positionedalong the respective aisle paths in the aisle expansion areas or betweenthe end points of the aisle paths. The reader module may correlate atleast partial negation of currently implemented vehicle functionalitywith an identified aisle extension tag and the vehicle controller maycontrol operational functions of the industrial vehicle hardware inresponse to the correlation of vehicle functionality with an identifiedaisle extension tag.

The tag layout may comprise end-cap pairs positioned at the end pointsof the respective aisle paths and the respective end-cap pairs maycomprise an outer end-cap tag and an inner end-cap tag. Each outerend-cap tag of an end-cap pair may be positioned farther from an aislepath midpoint than a corresponding inner end-cap tag of the end-cappair. The reader module may discriminate between the outer end-cap tagand the inner end-cap tag. The reader module may correlate exit-specificvehicle functionality with an identified outer end-cap tag and correlateentry-specific vehicle functionality with an identified inner end-captag. The vehicle controller may control operational functions of theindustrial vehicle hardware in response to entry-specific vehiclefunctionality as the industrial vehicle enters an aisle path andexit-specific vehicle functionality as the industrial vehicle exits anaisle path.

The inner end-cap tag may comprises a zone identification tag of theplurality of zone identification tags, or an outermost zone tag of theunique set of zone tags. The outermost zone tag may be a zone tag whichis positioned farther from the aisle path midpoint than correspondingzone tags from the unique set of zone tags. The outer end-cap tag maycomprises a function tag and the reader module may discriminate betweenthe function tags identified in the tag layout and correlate vehiclefunctionality with an identified function tag. The vehicle controllermay control operational functions of the industrial vehicle hardware inresponse to the correlation of vehicle functionality with an identifiedfunction tag.

Respective aisle paths may comprise vehicle entry and vehicle exitportions and the individual tags of the tag layout may comprise one ormore end-cap rows. Respective end-cap rows may comprise a plurality ofend-cap pairs and the end-cap rows may be spaced across respective endpoints in vehicle entry and vehicle exit portions such that the readermodule identifies the individual tags of the end-cap row regardless ofwhere the industrial vehicle crosses the end-cap row within the vehicleentry or vehicle exit portion of the aisle path.

The individual tags of the tag layout may comprise a plurality of aisleentry tags, with respective aisle entry tags being positioned along anaisle path between vehicle entry and vehicle exit portions of the aislepath. The reader module may discriminate between the aisle entry tagsand the tags of tag layout along the aisle path and correlatesend-of-aisle vehicle functionality with an identified aisle entry tag.The vehicle controller may controls operational functions of theindustrial vehicle hardware in response to the correlation ofend-of-aisle vehicle functionality with an identified aisle entry tag.The industrial vehicle hardware may comprise a vehicle drive mechanismand the end-of-aisle vehicle functionality may comprise a travelingspeed of the vehicle drive mechanism such that the vehicle controllermay control the traveling speed of the vehicle drive mechanism as afunction of tag-dependent positional data and an exit portion distanceto the respective vehicle entry or vehicle exit portions. The pluralityof aisle entry tags may be positioned on the same side of respectiveaisle paths.

Respective zone tags may be positioned along an aisle path betweenvehicle exit portions of the aisle path and the reader module maycorrelates end-of-aisle vehicle functionality with an identified zonetag such that the vehicle controller controls operational functions ofthe industrial vehicle hardware in response to the correlation ofend-of-aisle vehicle functionality with an identified zone tag. Theend-of-aisle vehicle functionality may comprise a traveling speed of thevehicle drive mechanism and the vehicle controller may control thetraveling speed of the vehicle drive mechanism as a function oftag-dependent positional data and an exit portion distance to therespective vehicle entry and vehicle exit portions.

The unique set of zone tags may comprise one or more function tags, oneor more aisle extension tags, one or more aisle entry tags, orcombinations thereof.

The reader module may comprise a reader memory coupled to a readerprocessor and each individual tag of the tag layout corresponds to aunique identification code, which in turn may correspond to a memorylocation in the reader memory. Each memory location may comprisesindexing data, operational data, and/or tag position data. The readermemory may comprise one or more aisle zone groups of uniqueidentification codes and each unique set of zone tags may correspond toan aisle zone group of unique identification codes such that each zoneidentification tag corresponds to indexing data used to index the readermemory to the aisle zone group of unique identification codescorresponding to the unique set of zone tags that occupies a position inthe tag layout that corresponds to the zone identification tag. Thereader module may read the memory locations corresponding to each aislezone group of unique identification codes in either order of theiridentification codes or reverse order of their identification codesdepending upon the direction of travel of the industrial vehicle alongrespective aisle paths. The reader module may comprise cache memorycoupled to the reader memory and the reader module may copy the aislezone group of unique identification codes from the reader memory intothe cache memory when an identified zone identification tag indexes thereader memory to a corresponding aisle zone group of uniqueidentification codes such that the reader module may correlate vehiclefunctionality with an identified zone tag within the unique set of zonetags, tag-dependent positional data derived from the identified zonetag, or both, using the cache memory of the aisle zone group to reduce acorrelation time.

The reader memory may comprise a reset group of unique identificationcodes and one or more function zone groups of unique identificationcodes and the individual tags of the tag layout may comprise a pluralityof function tags. The reader module may discriminate between thefunction tags identified in the tag layout and the identified functiontags may corresponds to either the reset group of unique identificationcodes or one of the function zone groups in the reader memory. Thefunction tags corresponding to the one or more function groups of uniqueidentification codes may correspond to vehicle functionality such thatthe function tags corresponding to the reset group of uniqueidentification codes correspond to at least partial negation ofcurrently implement vehicle functionality. The reset group of uniqueidentification codes may comprises a single memory location in thereader memory and the individual function tags corresponding to thereset group may comprise the same unique identification code.Alternatively, the individual function tags corresponding to eachfunction zone group may have the same unique identification code.Further, the respective function zone groups may comprise one or morememory locations in the reader memory and the unique identificationcodes corresponding to the function zone group may be stored in thereader memory in order of their identification codes.

The plurality of zone tags may be spaced along respective aisle paths ofa plurality of aisle paths and the individual tags of the tag layout maycomprise a plurality of aisle extension tags positioned along therespective aisle paths. The reader module may correlate vehiclefunctionality with an identified aisle extension tag, tag-dependentpositional data derived from the identified aisle extension tag, orboth. The vehicle controller may control operational functions of theindustrial vehicle hardware in response to the correlation of vehiclefunctionality with an identified aisle extension tag, tag-dependentpositional data, or both, such that the aisle extension tags correspondto a default group of unique identification codes in the reader memory.

The individual tags of the tag layout may comprise a plurality of aisleentry tags positioned along respective aisle paths and respective aisleentry tags may be positioned along an aisle path between vehicle entryand vehicle exit portions of the aisle path. The reader module maycorrelate end-of-aisle vehicle functionality with an identified aisleentry tag and the vehicle controller may control operational functionsof the industrial vehicle hardware in response to the correlation ofend-of-aisle vehicle functionality with an identified aisle entry tagsuch that the aisle entry tags correspond to the default group of uniqueidentification codes in the reader memory. The unique identificationcodes of the default group may be organized by the position of one ormore aisle paths in the tag layout and the unique identification codescorresponding to each aisle path may be stored in reader memory in orderof their identification codes.

The unique identification codes may be stored in the reader memory inthe following order: a confidence group first, a reset group second, adefault group third, one or more aisle zone groups fourth, and one ormore function zone groups fifth and, when an individual tag of the taglayout is identified, the reader module may read the reader memory inthe stored order until the unique identification code corresponding tothe identified tag is read.

The zone identification tags, one or more function tags, one or moreaisle extension tags, and one or more aisle entry tags may compriseunique identification codes with one or more bit locations which can bechanged.

The tag reader may comprises two read antennas and the uniqueidentification codes corresponding to the individual tags of the taglayout may comprise one or more bit locations comprising a multi-antennabit. The reader module may identify the individual tags of the taglayout with only one read antenna when the multi-antenna bit is disabledand with either read antenna when the multi-antenna bit is enabled. Themulti-antenna bit of the individual tags of the tag layout at respectiveaisle path end points may be enabled and the multi-antenna bit of theindividual tags of the tag layout beyond the respective end points maybe disabled.

The bit locations may comprise a side definition bit and respective zoneidentification tags may be positioned at respective end points of theaisle path and may correspond to a start side of the plurality of zonetags and an end side of the plurality of zone tags. The side definitionbit of the zone identification tag corresponding to the start side ofthe plurality of zone tags may comprise a start side bit. The sidedefinition bit of the zone identification tag corresponding to the endside of the plurality of zone tags may comprise a end side bit. Thereader module may identifies the start side bit and index the readermemory to a beginning of the aisle zone group of unique identificationcodes corresponding to the unique set of zone tags along the aisle path,and may identify the end side bit and index the reader memory to anending of the aisle zone group of unique identification codescorresponding to the unique set of zone tags along the aisle path.

The vehicle controller may control operational functions of theindustrial vehicle hardware in response to the correlation of vehiclefunctionality with an identified zone tag or with tag-dependentpositional data. The industrial vehicle hardware may comprises a traveldistance sensor that is configured to measure a travel distance of theindustrial vehicle and the tag reader, the reader module, the traveldistance sensor, and the vehicle controller may cooperate to derivetag-dependent positional data from identified zone tags and traveldistance data from the travel distance sensor.

Individual tags of the tag layout may be positioned along one side of anaisle path and may further be positioned along the same side ofrespective aisle paths or along either side of respective aisle paths.

An individual tag of the tag layout may be identified when the tagreader receives a signal from the individual tag and the industrialvehicle travels beyond a read range of the tag reader. When a tag readerreceives a signal from two individual tags of the tag layout the readermodule may increment a counter until the tag reader receives a signalfrom only one of the two individual tags for a read count. When theindustrial truck travels beyond the read range of the individual tagwith the read count the reader module may identify the individual tagwith the read count.

The user interface may comprise a lift height control device, a vehiclespeed control device, a touch screen hardware control interface, anoverride button, or combinations thereof. The user interface may alsocomprise an override mechanism for generating an override signal and thevehicle controller may control operational functions of the industrialvehicle hardware in response to override data upon receipt of theoverride signal.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, an industrial vehicleis provided comprising industrial vehicle hardware, a tag reader, areader module, a travel distance sensor, and a vehicle controller, thetravel distance sensor measures a travel distance of the industrialvehicle, and the tag reader, the reader module, the travel distancesensor, and the vehicle controller cooperate to derive tag-dependentpositional data from identified zone tags and travel distance data fromthe travel distance sensor.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a system isprovided comprising a remote computer and an industrial vehicle, whereinthe remote computer comprises computer memory storing load location dataand is communicatively coupled to the vehicle controller. The vehiclecontroller controls operational functions of the industrial vehiclehardware in response to (i) the correlation of vehicle functionalitywith an identified zone tag, tag-dependent positional data, or both,(ii) vehicle functionality that is correlated with load location datastored in the computer memory of the remote computer, (iii) user inputat a user interface of the industrial vehicle, (iv) or combinationthereof. The industrial vehicle may comprises a display device and thevehicle controller may send the load location data to the displaydevice. The load location data may comprise an aisle identifier. Theremote computer may comprise a warehouse management system.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the tag readercomprises two read antennas positioned on opposite sides of alongitudinal travel axis of the industrial vehicle and define respectiveread ranges and generate respective tag read signals when tags enter therespective read ranges of the read antennas. The tag reader and thereader module further cooperate to generate a vehicle direction signalwhen the individual tags are identified primarily with reference to tagread signals from only one of the two read antennas. The vehiclecontroller controls operational functions of the storage and retrievalhardware partially as a function of the vehicle direction signal.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a system isprovided comprising a remote computer and an industrial vehicle, whereineach individual tag of the tag layout corresponds to a uniqueidentification code, the computer memory comprises one or more memorylocations, each unique identification code corresponds to a memorylocation in the computer memory, each memory location comprises at leastone of indexing data, operational data, and tag position data, and thereader module comprises cache memory. The reader module copies uniqueidentification codes corresponding with the unique set of zone tags fromthe computer memory into the cache memory when the corresponding zoneidentification tag is identified, and correlates vehicle functionalitywith an identified zone tag within the unique set of zone tags,tag-dependent positional data derived from the identified zone tag, orboth using the cache memory of the aisle zone group to reduce acorrelation time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of specific embodiments of thepresent disclosure can be best understood when read in conjunction withthe following drawings, where like structure is indicated with likereference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates an industrial vehicle according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a schematic plan view of an industrial vehicle according toone embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a tag layout according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a tag layout according to another embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a tag layout according to another embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a tag layout with aisle function zonesaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a reader module according oneembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a system comprising a remote computer andan industrial vehicle according one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of an aisle path according to another embodimentof the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a tag layout according to another embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a tag layout according to another embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart to identify a malfunctioning tag according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a tag layout with tag pairs according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 13 is a diagnostic flowchart according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A illustrates an industrial vehicle 10 in the form of a lift truckcomprising conventional industrial vehicle hardware, e.g., a steeringmechanism 15, storage and retrieval hardware 20, and a vehicle drivemechanism 25, the details of which are beyond the scope of the presentdisclosure and may be gleaned from conventional and yet-to-be developedteachings in the industrial vehicle literature—examples of which includeU.S. Pat. Nos. 6,135,694, RE37215, 7,017,689, 7,681,963, 8,131,422, and8,718,860, each of which is assigned to Crown Equipment Corporation.

Referring further to FIG. 1B, which is a schematic plan view of anindustrial vehicle 10 in the form of a lift truck. The industrialvehicle 10 further comprises a tag reader 30, a reader module 35, a userinterface, and a vehicle controller 40. For example, and not by way oflimitation, it is contemplated that the tag reader 30 will be responsiveto radio frequency identification tags positioned in the vicinity of theindustrial vehicle 10. It is contemplated that the radio frequencyidentification tag may be either an active radio frequencyidentification tag or a passive radio frequency identification tag. Theparticular configuration of the reader module 35, the tag reader 30, andthe associated tags to which they are responsive are beyond the scope ofthe present disclosure and may be gleaned from conventional or yet-to-bedeveloped teachings on the subject—examples of which include U.S. Pat.No. 8,193,903 B2, assigned to Crown Equipment Corporation, and entitled“Associating a transmitter and a receiver in a supplemental remotecontrol system for materials handling vehicles” and U.S. Pat. No.6,049,745, assigned to FMC Corporation, and entitled “Navigation Systemfor Automatic Guided Vehicle.”

Referring to FIG. 2, a tag layout 50 can be constructed to compriseindividual tags that are positioned such that an industrial vehicle 10will operate under a defined set of vehicle functionality (e.g., vehiclefunction data) and/or tag-dependent position data that will endure untilthe industrial vehicle 10 identifies another individual tag of the taglayout 50 with a new correlation of vehicle functionality. In operation,the tag reader 30 and the reader module 35 of the industrial vehicle 10cooperate to identify individual tags of a tag layout 50. Typically, thetag layout 50 will be positioned in a building 150. For example, and notby way of limitation, the building 150 may be a warehouse, a stock yard,or the like. The individual tags comprise a plurality of zoneidentification tags 55 and a plurality of zone tags 60. Each zoneidentification tag 55 occupies a position in the tag layout 50 thatcorresponds to a unique set of zone tags 65. Each unique set of zonetags 65 comprises a plurality of zone tags 60. The reader module 35 willdiscriminate between a plurality of zone identification tags 55 and aplurality of zone tags 60 identified in the tag layout 50. In operation,an industrial vehicle 10 may be traveling towards a zone identificationtag 55. The reader module 35 will correlate an identified zoneidentification tag 55 with a unique set of zone tags 65. The readermodule 35 will also correlate vehicle functionality with an identifiedzone tag 60 within the unique set of zone tags 65, tag-dependentpositional data derived from the identified zone tag 60, or both. In oneembodiment, each unique set of zone tags 65 comprises a plurality ofzone tags 60 spaced along an aisle path 70 defined by one or morestorage elements 72 (FIG. 3). In one embodiment, each unique set of zonetags 65 comprises a plurality of zone tags 60, one or more function tags100, one or more aisle extension tags 110 (FIG. 3), one or more aisleentry tags 75 (FIG. 3), or combinations thereof. The function tags 100,aisle extension tags 110, aisle entry tags 75 are explained in greaterdetail hereinafter.

The vehicle controller 40 controls operational functions of theindustrial vehicle hardware in response to (i) the correlation ofvehicle functionality with an identified zone tag 60, tag-dependentpositional data, or both, (ii) user input at the user interface of theindustrial vehicle 10, or (iii) both. For example, where the industrialvehicle hardware comprises storage and retrieval hardware 20 and avehicle drive mechanism 25, as shown in FIG. 1A, the vehiclefunctionality or the tag-dependent positional data correlated with theidentified zone tag 60 may comprise a lift height of the storage andretrieval hardware 20, a traveling speed of the vehicle drive mechanism25, or a combination thereof. Where the vehicle functionality pertainsto the lift height of the storage and retrieval hardware 20, it may bepresented in the form of a maximum lift height, a minimum lift height, arange of lift heights, etc. Similarly, where the vehicle functionalitypertains to the traveling speed of the vehicle drive mechanism 25, itmay be presented as a maximum speed, a minimum speed, a range oftraveling speeds, etc.

Vehicle functionality may be combined to allow for efficient operationof the industrial vehicle 10. For example, but not limited to, vehiclefunctionality may include traveling speed restrictions dependent on thelift height of the storage and retrieval hardware 20, traveling speedrestrictions dependent on the tag-dependent positional data, lift heightrestrictions dependent on the traveling speed of the vehicle drivemechanism 25, or lift height restrictions dependent on tag-dependentposition data. It should be understood, that vehicle functionalitydiscussed herein may be correlated with any individual tag of the taglayout 50 and are not limited to zone tags 60.

Those practicing the concepts of the present disclosure and familiarwith industrial vehicle design and control will appreciate that the liftheight of the storage and retrieval hardware 20 or the traveling speedof the vehicle drive mechanism 25 may be controlled in a variety ofconventional or yet-to-be developed ways, the particulars of which arebeyond the scope of the present disclosure—examples of which includeU.S. Pat. Nos. 6,135,694, RE37215, 7,017,689, 7,681,963, 8,131,422,8,718,860, each of which is assigned to Crown Equipment Corporation.

Referring to FIG. 3, which is an isolated view of a tag layout 50 in asingle aisle path 70, the individual tags of the tag layout 50 maycomprise a plurality of aisle entry tags 75 that are positioned along anaisle path 70 between vehicle entry or vehicle exit portions 80 of theaisle path 70. The reader module 35 will discriminate between the aisleentry tags 75 and the individual tags of the tag layout 50 along theaisle path 70 and correlate end-of-aisle vehicle functionality with anidentified aisle entry tag 75. The vehicle controller 40 will controloperational functions of the industrial vehicle hardware in response tothe correlation of end-of-aisle vehicle functionality with an identifiedaisle entry tag 75. In this manner, a tag layout 50 can be constructedto comprise aisle entry tags 75 that are positioned within an aisle path70 such that particular end-of-aisle vehicle functionality can beimplemented as an industrial vehicle 10, traveling within an aisle path70, approaches the vehicle entry or vehicle exit portion 80 of the aislepath 70. For example, and not by way of limitation, it might bepreferable to ensure that an industrial vehicle 10 limits its travelingspeed of the vehicle drive mechanism 25 and/or the height of the storageand retrieval hardware 20 as it approaches the vehicle entry or vehicleexit portion 80 of an aisle path 70. The traveling speed and/or heightof the storage and retrieval hardware 20 may be varied as a function oftag-dependent positional data and an exit portion distance to therespective vehicle entry or vehicle exit portion 80. The exit portiondistance is a quantity of length measured between a current position ofthe industrial vehicle and the end point 85 of respective aisle paths70.

In one embodiment, the aisle entry tag 75 is identified and reported toan End-of-Aisle Control (EAC) system on the industrial vehicle 10. TheEAC system may be a pre-existing system which provides end-of-aislevehicle functionality based on other structures or devices in thebuilding 150 (FIG. 2) such as a magnet or the like. It is contemplatedthat the aisle entry tag 75 is used as a replacement in the EAC systemfor the structure or device in the building 150.

It is contemplated that vehicle functionality may be dictated by atravel direction of the industrial vehicle. In one embodiment, vehiclefunctionality comprises vehicle functionality corresponding to a firstcorrelation with an identified tag in the tag layout 50 based on a firsttravel direction and vehicle functionality corresponding to a secondcorrelation with the same identified tag based on a second traveldirection. The first travel direction is opposite the second traveldirection. For example, and not by way of limitation, as the industrialvehicle enters an aisle path 70 (i.e., first travel direction) andidentifies an aisle entry tag 75, the vehicle controller may implement atraveling speed of the vehicle drive mechanism 25 and/or the height ofthe storage and retrieval hardware 20 (i.e., first set of vehiclefunctionality). The vehicle controller may implement a differenttraveling speed of the vehicle drive mechanism 25 and/or the height ofthe storage and retrieval hardware 20 (i.e., second set of vehiclefunctionality) if the industrial vehicle reverses direction (i.e.,second travel direction). It is contemplated that the industrial vehicledoes not need to identify another tag of the tag layout 50 to implementthe second set of vehicle functionality but simply reverse its traveldirection. In other words, it is contemplated that the first set ofvehicle functionality and the second set of vehicle functionality iscorrelated with one identified tag in the tag layout 50.

Alternatively, the reader module 35 may correlate an identified zone tag60 with end-of-aisle vehicle functionality. In which case, the vehiclecontroller 40 would control operational functions of the industrialvehicle hardware in response to the correlation of end-of-aisle vehiclefunctionality with an identified zone tag 60. In this embodiment, a zonetag 60 may correspond to both vehicle functionality and end-of-aislevehicle functionality negating the need for a separate and distinctaisle entry tag 75 in the aisle path 70. For example, and not by way oflimitation, respective zone tags 60 of the unique set of zone tags 65that are the furthest from the midpoint 120 of the aisle path 70 maycomprise both vehicle functionality and end-of-aisle vehiclefunctionality.

As is illustrated in FIG. 4, the individual tags of the tag layout 50may comprise a plurality of function tags 100. For example, and not byway of limitation, function tags 100 may be positioned to bound apassageway 155 of the building 150. It should be understood thatalthough FIG. 4 illustrates the plurality of function tags 100positioned beyond the end points 85 of the aisle paths 70, the pluralityof function tags 100 may be positioned anywhere in the tag layout 50,including positions between the end points 85 of an aisle path 70.

The reader module 35 will discriminate between function tags 100identified in the tag layout 50. The reader module 35 will correlatevehicle functionality with an identified function tag 100. The vehiclecontroller 40 will control operational functions of the industrialvehicle hardware in response to the correlation of vehicle functionalitywith the identified function tag 100.

It is contemplated that in some instances, the reader module 35 willcorrelate at least partial negation of currently implement vehiclefunctionality with an identified function tag 100. The vehiclecontroller 40 will control operational functions of the industrialvehicle hardware in response to the correlation of vehicle functionalitywith the identified function reset tag 100 function tag 100. Forexample, and not by way of limitation, when a function tag 100 isidentified, some or all of the vehicle functionality placed on theindustrial vehicle 10 in response to a previously identified tag of thetag layout 50 may be negated. In other words, the tags of the tag layout50 may be staged such that, depending on vehicle travel direction, a setof vehicle functionality may be implemented for a particular area of thewarehouse 150 and removed once the industrial vehicle departs from theparticular area. An example of this functionality is provided below inregards to aisle function zones.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, respective aisle paths 70 may compriserespective aisle expansion areas 83 that are positioned beyond therespective end points 85. The individual tags of the tag layout 50 mayalso comprise a plurality of aisle extension tags 110. The plurality ofaisle extension tags 110 may be positioned anywhere in the tag layout50. In one embodiment, the plurality of aisle extension tags 110 may bepositioned along the respective aisle path 70 in the aisle expansionarea 83. The reader module 35 correlates vehicle functionality with anidentified aisle extension tag 110, tag-dependent positional dataderived from the identified aisle extension tag, or both. The vehiclecontroller 40 controls operational functions of the industrial vehiclehardware in response to the correlation of vehicle functionality with anidentified aisle extension tag 110, with tag-dependent positional data,or both. For example, and not by way of limitation, vehiclefunctionality may be implemented in an aisle path 70 before a zoneidentification tag 55 is identified if an aisle extension tag 110precedes the zone identification tag 55 along the aisle path 70.Furthermore, tag-dependent positional data may be derived along an aislepath 70 before a zone tag 60 is identified if an aisle extension tag 110precedes the unique set of zone tags 65 along the aisle path 70. Inanother non-limiting example, the aisle extension tag 110 may comprisevehicle functionality like those of the plurality of function tags 100(FIG. 4) such that vehicle functionality is either imposed or at leastpartially negated.

Referring back to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the tag layout 50 maycomprise one or more end-cap pairs 115 positioned at the end points 85of the respective aisle paths 70. It is contemplated that the end points85 may be positioned anywhere within the vehicle entry or vehicle exitportion 80 of the aisle path 70 but in many instances will occupy thesame position in each aisle path 70. Respective end-cap pairs 115 maycomprise an outer end-cap tag and an inner end-cap tag and each outerend-cap tag of an end-cap pair 115 is positioned farther from an aislepath midpoint 120 than a corresponding inner end-cap tag of the end-cappair 115. The inner end-cap tag may be either a zone identification tag55 or a zone tag 60. If, for example, a zone tag 60 is the inner end-captag, than that zone tag 60 is the outermost zone tag 60 of the pluralityof zone tags in the aisle path 70. In other words, the outermost zonetag 60 is a zone tag 60 which is positioned farther from the aisle pathmidpoint 120 than corresponding zone tags from the plurality of zonetags 60. In one embodiment, the outer end-cap tag is an individual tagfrom the plurality of function tags 100 (FIG. 4).

The reader module 35 discriminates between the outer end-cap tag and theinner end-cap tag of the end-cap pair 115 and correlates an identifiedouter end-cap tag with exit-specific vehicle functionality andcorrelates an identified inner end-cap tag with entry-specific vehiclefunctionality. The vehicle controller 40 controls operational functionsof the industrial vehicle hardware in response to entry-specific vehiclefunctionality as the industrial vehicle 10 enters an aisle path 70 andcontrols operational functions of the industrial vehicle hardware inresponse to exit-specific vehicle functionality as the industrialvehicle exits an aisle path 70. In one embodiment, the tag layout 50 maycomprise one or more end-cap rows 117 which comprise a plurality ofend-cap pairs 115. The one or more end-cap rows 117 are spaced acrossrespective end points 85 of an aisle path 70 such that an industrialvehicle entering or exiting the aisle path 70 will identify theindividual tags of the end-cap row 117 regardless of where theindustrial vehicle 10 crosses the end-cap row 117 within the vehicleentry or vehicle exit portion 80 of the aisle path 70. One non-limitingexample of one or more end-cap rows 117 is shown in FIG. 4 in the largeraisles paths on the right of the figure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an aisle function zone 300. It is contemplated thatthe aisle path 70 may comprise one or more aisle function zones 300. Afunction tag 100 is position along the aisle path 70 on an opposite sideof respective aisle function zones 300 from a second function tag 100′.In one embodiment, the function tag 100 and the function tag 100′ areabout equidistant from a midpoint 303 of the aisle function zone 300along the aisle path 70. Regardless of travel direction of theindustrial vehicle 10 along the aisle path 70, the vehicle functionalityassociated with the function tag 100 is correlated along the aisle path70 before the function tag 100. In other words, vehicle functionalitycorrelated to the function tag 100 and the function tag 100′ may beswitched depending on the industrial vehicle's travel direction alongthe aisle path 70 such that the vehicle controller controls theindustrial vehicle hardware per the correlated vehicle functionality ofthe function tag 100 in the aisle function zone 300 and the does notcontrol the industrial vehicle hardware per the correlated vehiclefunctionality of the function tag 100 outside of the aisle function zone300.

It is contemplated that the aisle path 70 may comprise more than oneaisle function zone. In one embodiment, a second aisle function zone 315may be nested (i.e. positioned) within a first aisle function zone 300.A first function tag 100 and a second function tag 100′ bound the firstaisle function zone 300 and a third function tag 100″ and a fourthfunction tag 100′″ bound the second aisle function zone 315. The firstfunction tag 100 corresponding to the first aisle function zone 300 maybe farther from a midpoint 303 of the second aisle function zone 315than the third function tag 100″ corresponding to the second aislefunction zone 315 such that the vehicle functionality associated withthe first function tag 100 is correlated by the reader module before thethird function tag 100″. The second function tag 100′ corresponding tothe first aisle function zone 300 may be farther from the midpoint 303of the second aisle function zone 315 than the fourth function tag 100′″corresponding to the second aisle function zone 315 such that thevehicle functionality associated with the fourth function tag 100′″ iscorrelated by the reader module before the second function tag 100′.

It is contemplated that the nested aisle function zones may enableefficient operation of an industrial vehicle 10 along an aisle path 70by staging vehicle functionality as needed. For example, and not by wayof limitation, the vehicle functionality correlated with the firstfunction tag 100 is a traveling speed of the vehicle drive mechanism 25(FIG. 1A) dependent on the lift height of the storage and retrievalhardware 20 (FIG. 1A) and the vehicle functionality correlated with thethird function tag 100″ is lift height setting. In another non-limitedexample, the vehicle functionality correlated with the first functiontag 100 is lift height setting dependent on the traveling speed of thevehicle drive mechanism 25 and the vehicle functionality correlated withthe third function tag 100″ is traveling speed setting. In oneembodiment, the second function tag 100′ negates the vehiclefunctionality placed on the industrial vehicle 10 by the first functiontag 100 and the fourth function tag 100′″ negates the vehiclefunctionality placed on the industrial vehicle 10 by the second functiontag 100′.

In one embodiment, an aisle path 70 comprises a second aisle functionzone 315 overlapping a first aisle function zone 300 such that a firstfunction tag 100 is identified along the aisle path 70 before the thirdfunction tag 100″ and the second function tag 100′ is identified alongthe aisle path 70 before the fourth function tag 100′″ or vice versa. Inone embodiment, an aisle path 70 comprises a second aisle function zone315 adjoining, i.e., end to end or butt against each other, a firstaisle function zone 300 such that the first function tag 100 and thesecond function tag 100′ are identified along the aisle path 70 justbefore the third function tag 100″ and the fourth function tag 100′″ orvice versa. As stated before, vehicle travel direction is independent ofthe order in which the function tags in the aisle function zoneembodiments are correlated.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the reader module 35 comprises a reader memory205 coupled to a reader processor 208. As described hereinabove, inreference to FIG. 1B, the tag reader 30 and the reader module 35 of theindustrial vehicle 10 cooperate to identify individual tags of a taglayout 50. It is contemplated that the reader module 35 and the vehiclecontroller 40 may be separate components or integrated into a singleunit and that the appended claims, which recite a reader module 35 and avehicle controller 40 are not limited to either an integrated unit orseparate components. It is also contemplated that all of the features ofthe reader module 35 may be integrated into the tag reader 30.

Each individual tag of the tag layout 50 (FIGS. 2-5) may correspond to aunique identification code. Each unique identification code correspondsto a memory location 200 in the reader memory 205 of the reader module35. The memory location 200 comprises at least one of indexing data,operational data, and tag position data. The tag reader 30 and thereader module 35 cooperate to determine vehicle functionality byidentifying an individual tag of the tag layout 50 and associating theidentified tag with a memory location 200 to retrieve at least one ofindexing data, operational data, and tag position data. It iscontemplated that the function of an individual tag in the tag layout 50may be changed by changing the indexing data and/or the operational datacorresponding to that individual tag. For example, and not limited to,if an aisle path 70 is changed, a zone tag 60 may be changed to an aisleentry tag 75 by changing the memory location 200 corresponding to thatzone tag 60. It should be understood that the tag layout 50 may notchange physically, but may be changed operationally by making changes tothe reader memory 205. For example, and not way of limitation, thechanges to the memory location 200 may include changing the physicalmemory location 200 such that the identified tag of the tag layout 50 iscorrelated with a new memory location 200 or the at least one ofindexing data, operational data, and tag position data is changed in thecurrent memory location 200.

The operational data may comprise any data related to the operations ofthe industrial vehicle 10 which may include, but not limited to, atleast one of: steering data, tag position data, tag heading data,forward speed data, reverse speed data, override forward speed data,override reverse speed data, height data, overhead height data, overrideheight data, reset data, forward speed based on height data, reversespeed based on height data, height based on forward speed data, heightbased on reverse speed data, automatic hoist operation (refer toAutomatic Positioning System discussed below) operator messages, aisleidentification, audible alerts, and the like. Operator messages mayinclude aisle identification, distance data along the aisle path 70derived from tag-dependent positional data, warning messages,intersection information, override instructions, and the like. Audiblealerts may include using the vehicle controller to sound the horn,activate a buzzer or beeper, activate warning lights, activatedirectional indicators, and the like. Vehicle functionality may bederived from the operational data. For example, and not limited to,operational data corresponding to an identified individual tag of thetag layout 50 may be forward speed data and reverse speed data. Thereader module 35 may correlate operational data as vehicle functionalitywith the identified individual tag. Depending on a position anddirection of travel of the industrial vehicle 10 along the aisle path70, the vehicle controller may limit the forward speed, for example, asthe end of the aisle is approached and not limit the reverse speed ofthe industrial vehicle 10. It should be understood that “forward” and“reverse” are terms used to described opposite directions of travel ofthe industrial vehicle. Traveling in a “positive” and “negative”direction based on vehicle heading (i.e., derived from tag heading data)are suitable substitutes.

Each unique set of zone tags 65 (FIGS. 2 and 3) and associated zoneidentification tags 55 along an aisle path 70 may correspond to an aislezone group 210 of unique identification codes in the reader memory 205.Each zone identification tag 55, corresponding to the unique set of zonetags 65 in the aisle path 70, corresponds to indexing data used to indexthe reader memory 205 to the one or more memory locations 200 (e.g.,memory location 211) corresponding to the aisle zone group 210 of uniqueidentification codes for that unique set of zone tags 65. It iscontemplated that processing speed may be improved by ensuring that theunique identification codes corresponding to the unique set of zone tags65 are stored in the reader memory 205 in order by their uniqueidentification codes. However, it should be noted that the reader modulemay read the unique identification codes in either order or reverseorder depending upon the direction of travel of the industrial vehicle10 along the aisle path 70. The unique identification codes in eachaisle zone group 210 may be in a known order according to the positionof each zone tag 60 along the aisle path 70.

The reader module 35 may comprise cache memory 209 coupled to the readermemory 205. The aisle zone group 210 may be copied from the readermemory 205 into the cache memory 209 when an identified zoneidentification tag 55 indexes the reader memory 205 to a correspondingaisle zone group 210. The reader module 35 may correlate vehiclefunctionality with an identified zone tag 60 within the unique set ofzone tags, with tag-dependent positional data derived from theidentified zone tag 60, or both using the copy of the aisle zone group210 in the cache memory 209 to reduce a correlation time. Thecorrelation time is a quantity of time needed to correlate vehiclefunctionality, derive tag-dependent position, or both from an identifiedtag in the tag layout 50.

It is contemplated, either through the use of the reader memory 205 or acache memory 209 data transfer to non-volatile memory, that the currentcorrelation/implementation of vehicle functionality is saved in theevent of an industrial vehicle 10 shutdown (e.g., turned off, powerloss, etc.) such that the current correlation/implementation of vehiclefunctionality is resumed upon restart of the industrial vehicle 10. Forexample, and not by way of limitation, if the industrial vehicle 10losses power, the vehicle functionality currently in use will be storedand used upon restart of the industrial vehicle such that the industrialvehicle 10 may resume operation where it lost power in the building 150without the need to first identify an individual tag in the tag layout50.

One or more function tags 100 (FIGS. 2 and 4) may correspond to afunction zone group 215 of one or more unique identification codes inthe reader memory 205. In one embodiment, respective function zonegroups 215 comprise a single memory location 225 in the reader memory205 and the individual tags corresponding to each function zone group215 have the same unique identification code. In one embodiment,respective function zone groups 215 comprise one or more memorylocations 200 in the reader memory 205 and the unique identificationcodes corresponding to the function zone group 215 are stored in thereader memory 205 in a known order for the grouping of tags. Further,one or more function tags 100 may correspond to a reset group 220 ofunique identification codes in the reader memory 205. The reset group220 of unique identification codes comprises a single memory location225 in the reader memory 205 and the individual tags of the one or morefunction tags 100 in this group comprises the same unique identificationcode. It is contemplated that the reset group 220 comprises thosefunction tags 100 within the tag layout 50 which correspond to at leastpartial negation of currently implement vehicle functionality with anidentified function tag 100. It is also contemplated that the uniqueidentification codes corresponding to the function zone group 215 andthe unique identification codes corresponding to the reset group 220 maybe stored in the reader memory 205 in a known order for the grouping oftags to enhance processing speed if more than one identification code isused for the respective group.

One or more aisle extension tags 110 (FIG. 3) may correspond to adefault group 230 of unique identification codes in the reader memory205. It is also contemplated that the one or more aisle entry tags 75may be configured to correspond to a default group 230 of uniqueidentification codes in the reader memory 205. All of the uniqueidentification codes in the default group 230, regardless of tag type(i.e., aisle extension tag 110, aisle entry tag 75, etc.) may beorganized in one of the following ways to enhance processing speed: in aknown order; in sequential order defined by the numerical uniqueidentification code of each tag corresponding to the default group; byone or more aisle paths 70 (FIG. 2 or 3) such that the uniqueidentification codes corresponding to each aisle path 70 in the defaultgroup 230 may be stored in the reader memory 205 in a known order. It isalso contemplated that a known order of unique identification codes inthe default group 230 may not have any numerical order and simply beplaced in the default group 230 in an order which is known.

Still referring to FIG. 6, it is contemplated that the uniqueidentification codes can be stored in the reader memory 205 in thefollowing order: confidence group 221 first, a reset group 220 second, adefault group second 230 third, one or more aisle zone groups 210fourth, and one or more function zone groups 215 fifth. It iscontemplated that the order of the unique identification codes stored inreader memory 205 may change depending on the organization of theindividual tags in the tag layout. For example, and not by way oflimitation, the confidence group 221 may not be used and may either havean empty place holder in the reader memory 205 to maintain the memorystructure shown in FIG. 6 or it may be removed from the reader memory205. It is also contemplated that when the tag layout 50 changes, thememory locations 200 of the reader memory 205 are rewritten toaccommodate the new tag layout. It is contemplated that processing speedmay be enhanced by grouping the individual tags of the tag layout 50 inthe reader memory 205. The grouping may eliminate the need to search theentire reader memory 205 for the unique identification code. Thesequencing of the unique identification codes in the reader memory 205further enhances the processing speed. For example, and not limited to,when an individual tag of the tag layout 50 is identified, the readermodule 35 reads the reader memory 205 in the stored order until theunique identification code corresponding to the identified tag is reador identified. If, for example, and not by way of limitation, the readermodule 35 is sequencing through an aisle zone group 210 of uniqueidentification codes as zone tags are identified along an aisle path anda new tag is identified which does not correspond to the respectiveaisle zone group 210, the reader module 35 will jump to the defaultgroup 230 and again sequence through the stored order until the uniqueidentification code corresponding to the newly identified tag is found.

In one embodiment, the reader module 35 may store vehicle functionalityand/or tag dependent positional data in cache memory 209 for the currentidentified individual tag of the tag layout. The vehicle controller 40(FIG. 1B) uses the data in the cache memory 209 to control theoperational functions of the industrial vehicle hardware. When a newindividual tag of the tag layout is identified, the data in cache memory209 changes and the vehicle controller 40 may use the new data.

It is contemplated that an individual tag of the tag layout 50 isidentified when the reader module 35 receives a signal from theindividual tag and the industrial vehicle 10 travels beyond a read rangeof the tag reader 30 such that the signal is lost by the tag reader 30(i.e., no longer read or within the read range). The reader module maythen correlate the received signal to a unique identification code. Asignal strength of the received signal is measured to identify when thetag reader 30 is positioned over the individual tag. Tag-dependentpositional data in relation to signal strength may be used to identifythe exact position of the industrial vehicle 10 in the tag layout 50. Inone embodiment, when a plurality of individual tags of the tag layout 50is within the read range of the tag reader 30, the tag reader 30 mayreceive multiple signals. In this embodiment, the reader module 35increments a counter for each signal it receives from an individual tag.The counter is incremented until the tag reader 30 receives a signalfrom only one of the individual tags for a read count. In other words,the reader module monitors and counts the number of times a signal isreceived by the tag reader 30. The read count may be set to eliminateany erroneous signals received by the tag reader 30 from individual tagson the edge of the read range. In other words, it is contemplated thatthe tag reader 30 may receive a signal that exceeds the read count froman individual tag that is closest to the tag reader 30. In oneembodiment, it is contemplated that the read count is four receivedsignals. When the industrial vehicle 10 travels beyond the read range ofthe individual tag with the read count, the reader module 35 identifiesthat individual tag.

Referring to FIGS. 2-5, it is contemplated that the individual tags ofthe tag layout 50 comprise non-programmable tags and programmable tags.The unique identification codes corresponding to the programmable tagscomprise one or more bit locations that are able to be changed. The oneor more bit locations may comprise at least one of a multi-antenna bit,an index bit, and a side definition bit. The multi-antenna bit enablesor disables one of the two read antennas 33 (FIG. 1B) on the industrialvehicle 10 (FIG. 1B). In one embodiment, when the industrial vehicle 10is along an aisle path 70, it is contemplated that both read antennas 33will be used to identify the individual tags of the tag layout 50 andwhen the industrial vehicle 10 is beyond the end points 85 (FIG. 2) ofthe aisle path 70, the industrial vehicle 10 will identify individualtags of the tag layout 50 using only one of the two read antennas 33.When a read antenna 33 is disabled, it should be understood that thereader module 35 may use only one (i.e., a primary read antenna) toidentify individual tags of the tag layout 50 or the reader module 35may receive signals from both read antennas 33 however it should beunderstood that the reader module 35 may use the signal from only oneantenna 33 (i.e., the primary antenna) to identify the individual tagsof the tag layout 50. In one embodiment, the plurality of aisle entrytags 75 are positioned on the same side of respective aisle paths 70that correspond to the primary read antenna. It is contemplated that itis the aisle entry tags 70 along an aisle path 70 comprises themulti-antenna bit such that both antennas are used along the aisle path70 and only one antenna is used beyond the end points 85 of the aislepath 70. This configuration of the tag layout 50 where the aisle entrytags 70 are on the same side of respective aisle paths 70 is to ensurethat the aisle entry tags 70 are identified while the multi-antenna bitis disable (i.e., primary read antenna only).

The index bit may be used to index the reader memory 205 directly to aspecified memory location 200. For example, and not by limitation, azone identification tag 55 may have the index bit set to index thereader memory 205 to a specific aisle zone group 210. In conjunctionwith the index bit, a zone identification tag 55 may include a sidedefinition bit to indicate which end an industrial vehicle 10 isentering an aisle path 70 from. The side definition bit may index thereader memory 205 to either a beginning or an ending portion of theaisle zone group 210 of unique identification codes corresponding towhich end of the aisle path 70 the industrial vehicle 10 enters. It iscontemplated that the plurality of zone tags 60 comprise a start sideand an end side. The side definition bit comprises a start side bit andan end side bit. The start side bit corresponds to the start side of theplurality of zone tags 60 and the end side bit corresponds to the endside of the plurality of zone tags 60. The side definition bit of thezone identification tag 55 corresponding to the start side of theplurality of zone tags 60 comprises the start side bit and the sidedefinition bit of the zone identification tag 55 corresponding to theend side of the plurality of zone tags 60 comprises the end side bit.The reader module 35 identifies the start side bit and indexes thereader memory 205 to a beginning of the aisle zone group 210 of uniqueidentification codes corresponding to the plurality of zone tags 60, andidentifies the end side bit and index the reader memory 205 to an endingof the aisle zone group 210 of unique identification codes correspondingto the plurality of zone tags 60.

As discussed before, the unique identification codes can be stored inthe reader memory 205 in the following order: confidence group 221first, a reset group 220 second, a default group second 230 third, oneor more aisle zone groups 210 fourth, and one or more function zonegroups 215 fifth. In one embodiment, the reader module 35 may sequencethrough the above reader memory 205 order to identify the memorylocation 200 corresponding to the unique identification code identifiedby the reader module 35. For example, and not by limitation, if a zoneidentification tag is identified, the reader module may read through theconfidence group 221 first, the reset group 220 second, and the memorylocations 200 associated with each zone identification tag last untilthe memory location 200 associated with the identified zoneidentification tag is found. It is contemplated that the reader module35 will not read each memory location 200 associated with each aislezone group 210 but only the start side zone identification tag and theend side zone identification tag. In one embodiment, the zoneidentification tags may be programmed tags which include the start sidebit and the end side bit which is used by the reader module 35 toidentify and read memory locations 200 associated with zoneidentification tags and to ignore memory locations 200 associated withthe zone tags in the same aisle zone group 210.

It is contemplated that the tags of tag layout 50 are physically thesame type of tag and the nomenclature used herein is to identify the useassociated with each tag and its position in the tag layout 50. It isalso contemplated that the one or more function tags 100, zoneidentification tags 55, aisle extension tags 110, and aisle entry tags75 may be programmed tags which allow changes to be made to their uniqueidentification code without requiring changes to the reader memory 205.In addition to the unique identification code comprising a multi-antennabit, an index bit, and a side definition bit as explained hereinbefore,the unique identification code also comprises a group definition bitwhich, when identified, tells the reader module 35 which group (i.e.,confidence group 221, reset group 220, default group 230, aisle zonegroup 210, or function zone group 215) the identified tag belongs to. Bychanging the group bit, the vehicle functionality may also be changedthereby allowing the functionality of the tag layout to change either bychanging the data in the memory locations 200 in the reader memory 205or by changing the unique identification code of selected programmedtags.

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 3, the aisle path 70 may also comprise awire-guided aisle path portion 90 between vehicle entry or vehicle exitportions 80 of the aisle path 70. The aisle path 70 may comprise one ormore storage elements 72 that are parallel to a guide wire 47 andbetween the respective end points 85 of the aisle path 70. The storageand retrieval hardware 20 is configured to store and retrieve items fromselected storage elements 72. The industrial vehicle 10 may comprise awire guidance module 45 and the industrial vehicle hardware may comprisea steering mechanism 15 that is responsive to signals from the wireguidance module 45. The wire guidance module 45 is, in turn, responsiveto an electrically conductive guide wire 47 positioned along the aislepath 70. For example, it is contemplated that steering commands may beautomatically implemented in a wire-guided operational mode and manuallyimplemented in the non-wire-guided operational mode—examples of whichinclude U.S. Pat. No. 8,193,903 B2, assigned to Crown EquipmentCorporation, and entitled “Associating a transmitter and a receiver in asupplemental remote control system for materials handling vehicles” andU.S. Pat. No. 6,049,745, assigned to FMC Corporation, and entitled“Navigation System for Automatic Guided Vehicle.” Those practicing theconcepts of the present disclosure and familiar with industrial vehicledesign and control will also appreciate that the tracking of the guidewire 47 may be accomplished in a variety of conventional or yet-to-bedeveloped ways, the particulars of which are beyond the scope of thepresent disclosure and are described in the above-noted references.

The industrial vehicle hardware may comprise a plurality of travelwheels 27 that define the vehicle travel plane p. The tag reader 30 maybe fixed to the industrial vehicle 10 at a location that is at adistance x of less than about 30 cm above the industrial vehicle travelplane p as defined by the travel wheels 27. It is contemplated that thedistance x is derived from a received signal strength of about −30 db.For example, and not by way of limitation, the tag reader 30 may besecured to the underside of the industrial vehicle 10.

Referring specifically to FIG. 1B, the industrial vehicle 10 has alongitudinal travel axis t. In some embodiments, the tag reader 30 maycomprise two read antennas 33 that are positioned on opposite sides ofthe longitudinal travel axis t in a common plane displaced from andparallel to the vehicle travel plane p (FIG. 1A). In this manner, wherea particular tag layout 50 (FIG. 4 or FIG. 2) merely comprisesindividual tags along one side of an aisle path 70, one of the readantennas 33 will be positioned over the individual tags of the aislepath 70 regardless of the direction of travel of the industrial vehicle10 along the aisle path 70. In this embodiment, a travel direction ofthe industrial vehicle in respective aisle paths may be derived by whichof the two read antennas 33 is positioned over the individual tags ofthe aisle path 70. In one embodiment, the individual tags of the taglayout 50 are positioned along the same side in respective aisle paths70. In one embodiment, the individual tags of the tag layout 50 arepositioned along either side in respective aisle paths 70.

In one embodiment, the read antennas 33 define respective read rangesand generate respective tag read signals when individual tags of the taglayout enter the respective read ranges of the read antennas 33. The tagreader 30 and the reader module 35 further cooperate to generate avehicle direction signal when the individual tags are identifiedprimarily with reference to tag read signals from only one of the tworead antennas 33. The vehicle controller 40 controls operationalfunctions of the storage and retrieval hardware 20 partially as afunction of the vehicle direction signal. It is contemplated that therespective read ranges of the read antennas 33 may overlap or bemutually exclusive. It is further contemplated that an individual tagmay be read by read antennas 33 positioned on opposite sides of thelongitudinal travel axis of the industrial vehicle 10, in which case thetag reader 30 and the reader module 35 would be equipped to discriminatebetween respective read signals from the two different antennas 33 anddetermine which read signal is valid, primarily with reference to therespective signal strengths of the two read signals.

In some embodiments, the industrial vehicle hardware may comprise atravel distance sensor 43 that is configured to measure a traveldistance of the industrial vehicle. For example, and not by way oflimitation, the travel distance sensor 43 may be an inertial sensors orodometry hardware, such as a load wheel sensor, a rotary encoder, a HallEffect sensor, etc. The tag reader 30, the reader module 35, the traveldistance sensor 43, and the vehicle controller 40 cooperate to derivetag-dependent positional data from identified zone tags 60 and traveldistance data from the travel distance sensor 43. The tag reader 30, thereader module 35, the travel distance sensor 43, and the vehiclecontroller 40 cooperate to determine tag-dependent positional data byidentifying a zone tag 60, correlating the identified zone tag 60 withtag position data, using the travel distance sensor 43 to calculate atravel distance from the identified zone tag 60, and determiningtag-dependent positional data from the calculated travel distance andthe tag position data correlating with the zone tag 60.

In another example, the tag reader 30, the reader module 35, the traveldistance sensor 43, and the vehicle controller 40 cooperate to determinetag-dependent positional data by identifying a first zone tag in theunique set of zone tags 65 and zeroing a travel distance of the traveldistance sensor 43 when the first zone tag is identified. The traveldistance sensor 43 then calculates the travel distance from the firstidentified zone tag. The tag reader 30 and the reader module 35cooperate to identify subsequent zone tags of the unique set of zonetags 65 and associating each subsequent identified zone tag withtag-dependent positional data. The travel distance calculation from thefirst identified zone tag is then corrected by using the tag positiondata associated with each subsequent identified zone tag. The readermodule determines tag-dependent positional data from the calculatedtravel distance from the first identified zone tag. The tag positiondata associated with each subsequent identified zone tag may be used tocorrect any error in the travel distance calculation that hasaccumulated between each zone tag 60. The first zone tag is defined asthe zone tag 60 of the unique set of zone tags 65 that is firstidentified after identification of the zone identification tag 55. Eachsubsequent zone tag are those zone tags 60 of the unique set of zonetags 65 that are not the first zone tag 60.

In yet another example, as discussed hereinabove, tag-dependentpositional data may be derived from an identified aisle extension tag110. In this example, the aisle extension tag 110 would operate as thefirst identified zone tag and each zone tag 60 of the unique set of zonetags 65 would operate as the subsequent zone tag 60.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the industrial vehicle 10 may comprise one or moreuser interfaces. The user interface may comprise a storage and retrievalhardware control device 23, a vehicle speed control device 24, a touchscreen hardware control interface, an automated interface 22, a steeringdevice 14, or combinations thereof. It should be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the touch screen hardware control interface maybe part of a display device 37 but it is not limited to being part ofthe display device 37. The touch screen hardware control interface maybe a distinct device separate from the display device 37. It should alsobe understood by those skilled in the art that the storage and retrievalhardware control device 23 may be a lever, knob, a touch screen hardwarecontrol interface, or the like and configured to control the storage andretrieval hardware 20. The storage and retrieval hardware may include,but is not limited to, a set of fork tines, a container handler, aturret with forks, a pantrograph, a telescopic handler, and the like.The storage and retrieval hardware may be coupled to a set of forksalready coupled to the industrial vehicle 10 or may replace pre-existingstorage and retrieval hardware. The vehicle speed control device 24 maybe a lever, a pedal, a touch screen hardware control interface, or thelike and configured to control the vehicle drive mechanism 25. Thesteering device 14 may be a wheel, a knob, a lever, or the like andconfigured to control the steering mechanism 15.

In one embodiment, it is contemplated that the user interface comprisesan override mechanism 26 for generating an override signal. The vehiclecontroller controls operational functions of the industrial vehiclehardware in response to override data upon receipt of the overridesignal. The override signal may be reset after a period of time, resetby operational data correlated to an identified tag of the tag layout50, or deactivated by the user. Override data may include overrideforward speed limit data, override reverse speed limit data, overrideheight limit data, stop data, and the like. In one non-limiting example,the user may be required to generate the override signal for theduration of time (e.g., actuate and hold the override mechanism 26) thatthe industrial vehicle 10 is implementing vehicle functionality with anidentified tag until a next tag is identified in the tag layout 50. Inaddition to the requirements to actuate the override mechanism 26, adisplay 37 may generate a situation message for the user and an audibletone may be generated indicating the need for the override mechanism 26to be actuated. It should be understood that any combination ofgeneration of an override signal, display of a situation message, andgeneration of an audible tone is contemplated.

In one embodiment, the industrial vehicle 10 may be an automated guidedvehicle. An automated interface 22 may be used to issue commands to theindustrial vehicle 10, make changes to the reader memory 205 (FIG. 6),and/or remotely control the industrial vehicle 10. It is contemplatedthat the automated interface 22 may communicatively couple theindustrial vehicle 10 to a remote computer. For example, and not by wayof limitation, the automated interface 22 may be an antenna whichwirelessly couples the industrial vehicle 10 to a remote computer.Alternatively, the automated interface 22 may be an input/output devicesuch as a RS-232 connector, USB, or the like to facilitate a hard wiredconnected between the industrial vehicle 10 and a remote computer suchas a laptop. In this embodiment, user input through the user interfaceis not required to control the industrial vehicle hardware.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a system which comprises a remote computer250 and the industrial vehicle 10. The remote computer 250 has acomputer processor 260 and a computer memory 255, which stores loadlocation data. It is contemplated that the tags of the tag layout do notcomprise load location data. The remote computer 250 is communicativelycoupled to the vehicle controller 40. The vehicle controller 40 controlsoperational functions of the industrial vehicle hardware in response tovehicle functionality as they are correlated with load location datastored in computer memory 255 and with an identified zone tag 60 (FIG.2), with tag-dependent positional data, or both. For example, but notlimited to, the remote computer 250 may communicate with the vehiclecontroller 40 via a wireless connection 265 (e.g., an opticalconnection, radio, cellular, or the like) or through a network 270(e.g., IEEE 802 series of protocols, or the like). For example, and notby way of limitation, the load location data may be a slot location on ashelf, a position on the floor within the warehouse, an aisleidentifier, or other types of load location data. For the purposes ofdescribing and defining the subject matter of the present disclosure a“remote” computer is a computer not secured to or part of the industrialvehicle 10. For example, a remote computer may comprise a warehousemanagement system.

In one embodiment, the industrial vehicle 10 may comprise an AutomaticPositioning System. The Automatic Positioning System may use the loadlocation data and/or tag-dependent positional data to automaticallycontrol the industrial vehicle hardware to vertically position thestorage and retrieval hardware 20 (FIG. 1A) and horizontally positionthe industrial vehicle 10 to retrieve or place a load. It is alsocontemplated that when the industrial vehicle 10 is at a position alongthe aisle path 70 that corresponds to the correct load location, thevehicle controller controls the storage and retrieval hardware 20 suchthat the storage and retrieval hardware automatically retrieves orplaces the load in the slot location on the shelf. The vehiclecontroller 40 communicates to the remote computer 250 that the load hasbeen placed or retrieved from the load location.

In one embodiment, the operational data correlated with the uniqueidentification code of an identified tag may comprise an AutomaticPositioning System bit. The Automatic Positioning System bit may be usedby the vehicle controller to turn the Automatic Positioning System on oroff. For example, and not my limitation, the Automatic PositioningSystem may be needed along an aisle path only. The aisle entry tags mayinclude the Automatic Positioning System bit to turn the AutomaticPositioning System on along the aisle path and turn the AutomaticPositioning System off when the industrial vehicle leaves the aislepath.

The industrial vehicle hardware may comprise an indication light (notshown). The indication light may be illuminated when the storage andretrieval hardware 20 is, for example, at the correct slot location on ashelf. For example, and not by way of limitation, the indication lightmay illuminate to indicate a correct horizontal position andsubsequently a correct vertical position, or vice versus.

The vehicle controller 40 may communicate a position of the industrialvehicle 10 to the remote computer 250. The remote computer 250 may, forexample and not by way of limitation, alert or communicate to a secondindustrial vehicle 10 that an aisle path 70 (FIG. 2) is occupied by afirst industrial vehicle 10 when the position of both industrialvehicles indicate that they may or are about to occupy the same aislepath 70. The remote computer 250 may communicate vehicle functionality,such as override data for example, to the vehicle controller 40 to stopand/or prevent the second industrial vehicle 10 from entering andoccupying the same aisle path 70 as the first industrial vehicle 10.

It is contemplated that the vehicle controller 40 and/or the readermodule 35 (FIG. 1B) may compare the load location to a currentindustrial vehicle 10 location. If, for example, and not by way oflimitation, the user directs the industrial vehicle 10 into the wrongaisle path 70, the vehicle controller 40 may control the industrialvehicle hardware to notify the user of the error. Examples of controlmay include, but are not limited to, the vehicle controller 40 may bringthe industrial vehicle 10 to a stop or slow the industrial vehicle 10.It is also contemplated that the display device 37 may indicate theerror to the user.

The industrial vehicle 10 may also comprise a display device 37 and thevehicle controller 40 may send load location data to the display device37. For example, but not by way of limitation, the load location may bedisplayed on the display device 37 to direct an operator to an aislepath 70 in which the specified load is located.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, in one embodiment, the remote computer 250may be communicatively coupled to the reader module 35. In thisembodiment, the computer memory 255 comprises one or more memorylocations and each unique identification code for the individual tags ofthe tag layout corresponds to a memory location in the computer memory255. The memory location comprises at least one of indexing data,operational data, and tag position data. The tag reader and the readermodule cooperate to identify an individual tag of the tag layout. Thereader module than copies the corresponding indexing data, operationaldata, and tag position data corresponding the unique identification codeof the identified tag from the computer memory to the cache memory 209of the reader module 35. For example, and not by way of limitation, theunique identification codes corresponding to a unique set of zone tagsmay be copied from the computer memory 255 to the cache memory 209 ofthe reader module to improve processing speed of identifying subsequentzone tags and implement vehicle functionality. In this embodiment,changes to the tag layout may be made at the remote computer 250 insteadof on the industrial vehicle.

The tag reader 30 and the reader module 35 cooperate to determinevehicle functionality by identifying an individual tag of the tag layout50 and associating the identified tag with a memory location 200 toretrieve at least one of indexing data, operational data, and tagposition data.

Referring to FIG. 8, an industrial truck 10 is shown traversing along anaisle path 70 and one or more storage elements 72. This figureillustrates a very narrow aisle (VNA) path example that an industrialvehicle 10 may operate in. A first zone 400, a second zone 405, and athird zone 410 are delineated by the individual tags of the tag layout50. Specifically, a first tag 415, a second tag 416, a third tag 417,and a fourth tag 418 serve to delineate the three zones along the aislepath 70.

For the following examples, and not by way of limitation, the secondzone 405 will have vehicle functionality implemented such as, forexample, a speed setting for the industrial vehicle 10, a lift heightsetting of the storage and retrieval hardware 20, and/or an overridespeed setting which is greater than the speed setting but less than thenormal operating speed of the industrial vehicle 10. The first zone 400and the third zone 410 will allow for normal operation of the industrialvehicle 10. It should be understood that the zones in this example arenot limited to the vehicle functionality described herein and mayinclude the complete list previously described. In the followingexamples, for the purpose of understanding FIG. 8, the industrialvehicle 10 is traveling from left to right across the figure such thatthe tags are identified by the industrial vehicle 10 in the followingorder: the first tag 415, the second tag 416, the third tag 417, andlastly the fourth tag 418. The vehicle functionality of the second zone405 will be implemented once the second tag 416 is identified and atleast partially negated once the fourth tag 418 is identified. The tablein each example below exemplifies the vehicle functionality of the fourtags along the aisle path 70 for that particular non-limiting example.

It is contemplated that primary control (i.e., control which isinterrupted through tag identification) of the industrial vehicle 10 maybe either through a user's control or automated control such as an AGV.As such, although a user is described in control of the industrialvehicle 10 in the below examples, it should be understood that theexamples are not limited to a user having primary control over theindustrial vehicle 10 and the industrial vehicle 10 may be an AGV.

It is also contemplated that, although not described in the belowexamples, tag-dependent positional data may be used in addition to thefour tags to further define the location of the industrial vehicle 10along the aisle path 70 and/or to implement the correlated vehiclefunctionality at locations other than when the subject tag isidentified. In other words, to clarify the second point, theimplementation of vehicle functionality may not occur at the location inwhich a tag is identified, but at some distance beyond the location,either positive or negative travel direction of the industrial vehicle10, of the subject tag's identification. Further, it is contemplatedthat additional vehicle functionality, such as end of aisle control, maybe combined with the examples below and as such, the examples are notlimited only to the vehicle functionality described.

Example 1 Speed Settings, Non-Zero

TABLE 1 Vehicle functionality for Example 1. Tag Speed Setting First tag415 No speed setting Second tag 416 Speed = 1341 mm/sec (3 mph) Thirdtag 417 Speed = 1341 mm/sec (3 mph) Fourth tag 418 No speed setting

In this non-limiting example, when the industrial vehicle 10 identifiesthe first tag 415, the vehicle controller 40 does not intervene in thecontrol of the industrial vehicle 10 speed along the aisle path 70. Whenthe industrial vehicle 10 identifies the second tag 416, if theindustrial vehicle 10 is traveling at a speed greater than 1341 mm/sec(3 mph), the vehicle controller 40 will control the vehicle drivemechanism 25 (FIG. 1A) and/or brakes to decelerate the truck to 1341mm/sec (3 mph) and maintain that maximum speed setting until asubsequent identified tag changes the speed setting. Further, thedisplay device 37 (FIG. 1A) will display “Speed Zone” and generate anaudible tone to indicate that vehicle functionality in the form of aspeed setting is implemented at the current location of the industrialvehicle 10 if a user is at the controls of the industrial vehicle 10. Ifthe industrial vehicle 10 is operated below 1341 mm/sec (3 mph) than thevehicle controller 40 does not intervene in the speed of the industrialvehicle 10. When the third tag 417 is identified, the vehiclefunctionality is unchanged and the vehicle controller 40 continues tointervene as necessary in accordance with TABLE 1. When the fourth tag418 is identified, the vehicle controller 40 will no longer intervenewith a 1341 mm/sec (3 mph) speed setting and the display device 37 willno longer indicate a “Speed Zone.”

Example 2 Speed Setting, Zero

TABLE 2 Vehicle functionality for Example 2. Tag Speed Setting OverrideSetting First tag 415 No speed setting No override setting Second tag416 Speed = 0 mm/sec Override setting: (0 mph) Speed = 670 mm/sec (1.5mph) Third tag 417 Speed = 0 mm/sec Override setting: (0 mph) Speed =670 mm/sec (1.5 mph) Fourth tag 418 No speed setting No override setting

In this non-limiting example, when the industrial vehicle 10 identifiesthe first tag 415, the vehicle controller 40 does not intervene in thecontrol of the industrial vehicle 10 speed along the aisle path 70. Whenthe industrial vehicle 10 identifies the second tag 416, the vehiclecontroller 40 will control the vehicle drive mechanism 25 (FIG. 1A)and/or brakes to decelerate the truck to a stop. Further, the displaydevice 37 (FIG. 1A) will display “Speed Zone” and generate an audibletone to indicate that vehicle functionality in the form of a speedsetting is implemented at the current location of the industrial vehicle10. If a user would like to have the industrial vehicle 10 move, theuser must execute an override sequence. In this example, the overridesequence consists of transitioning the vehicle speed control device 24(FIG. 1A) to neutral and the display device 37 will indicate “Cutout,Use Override.” The user will then press and hold the override mechanism26 (FIG. 1A). The display device 37 will display “Speed Zone” and thevehicle controller 40 will intervene in any speeds above 670 mm/sec (1.5mph). The user may transition or actuate the vehicle speed controldevice 24 to indicate the desire for motion and the industrial vehiclewill move with a maximum speed of 670 mm/sec (1.5 mph). Once the fourthtag 418 is identified, the need for the override sequence is eliminatedand the user may release the override mechanism 26. The display device37 will no longer indicate “Speed Zone” and the industrial vehicle 10will operate normally. Alternatively, if the industrial vehicle is anAGV, the implemented vehicle functionality will control without anoverride sequence.

If the user fails to transition the vehicle speed control device 24 toneutral after the industrial vehicle 10 comes to a stop and the displaydevice 37 indicates “Speed Zone,” the display device 37 will indicateinstructions to the user. For example, and not by way of limitation, thedisplay device 37 may indicate “Center Hand Controls.” Once the vehiclespeed control device 24 is transitioned to neutral, the overridesequence may be initiated.

If, during the override sequence, the user releases the overridemechanism 26 while the industrial vehicle 10 is moving, the displaydevice 37 may indicate instructions to the user. For example, and not byway of limitation, the display device 37 may indicate “Cutout, UseOverride.” The industrial vehicle 10 will coast until the overridemechanism 26 is pressed again.

Example 3 Height Dependent Speed Settings

TABLE 3 Vehicle functionality for Example 3. Hardware Setting SpeedHeight Dependent Overhead Override Tag Setting Speed Setting HeightSetting Setting First tag No speed No hardware No Overhead No override415 setting setting setting setting Second tag No speed Height = 2540 mmNo Overhead No override 416 setting (100 inches) setting setting Speed =1341 mm/sec (3 mph) Third tag No speed Height = 2540 mm No Overhead Nooverride 417 setting (100 inches) setting setting Speed = 1341 mm/sec (3mph) Fourth tag No speed No hardware No Overhead No override 418 settingsetting setting setting

In this non-limiting example, when the industrial vehicle 10 identifiesthe first tag 415, the vehicle controller 40 does not intervene in thecontrol of the industrial vehicle 10 along the aisle path 70. When theindustrial vehicle 10 identifies the second tag 416, the vehiclecontroller 40 will sense (through sensors, data in memory, or the like)the height of the storage and retrieval hardware 20. The height settingin this example is defined as the height of the forks or the loadimplement of the storage and retrieval hardware 20. If the height of thestorage and retrieval hardware 20 exceeds the height setting of 2540 mm(100 inches), the vehicle controller 40 will control the vehicle drivemechanism 25 (FIG. 1A) to reduce the speed of the industrial truck to1341 mm/sec (3 mph). The industrial vehicle 10 may operate at or below1341 mm/sec (3 mph) while the height of the storage and retrievalhardware 20 is at or above 2540 mm (100 inches) before the fourth tag418 is identified. If the storage and retrieval hardware 20 is loweredbelow 2540 mm (100 inches), then the vehicle controller 40 will notintervene in the speed of the industrial vehicle 10 before the fourthtag 418 is identified. If, after the second tag 416 or the third tag 417is identified, the storage and retrieval hardware 20 is subsequentlyraised above 2540 mm (100 inches), then the vehicle controller 40 willintervene in the speed of the industrial vehicle 10 and decelerate theindustrial vehicle 10 to 1342 mm/sec (3 mph). Further, the displaydevice 37 (FIG. 1A) will display “Speed Zone” and generate an audibletone to indicate that vehicle functionality in the form of a speedsetting is implemented at the current location of the industrial vehicle10 if a user is in control of the industrial vehicle 10. The display of“Speed Zone” and generation of an audible tone will occur whenever thevehicle controller 40 intervenes on the speed of the industrial vehicle10 due to the height of the storage and retrieval hardware 20. In thisexample, although not used, it is contemplated that an override sequencemay be implemented to allow speeds of the industrial vehicle 10 above1341 mm/sec (3 mph) when the height of the storage and retrievalhardware 20 is above 2540 mm (100 inches). Once the fourth tag 418 isidentified, the display device 37 will no longer indicate “Speed Zone”and the industrial vehicle 10 will operate normally.

Example 4 Height Dependent Speed Settings with Overhead Height Setting

TABLE 4 Vehicle functionality for Example 4. Hardware Setting HeightDependent Overhead Override Tag Speed Setting Speed Setting HeightSetting Setting First tag No speed No hardware Overhead No override 415setting setting setting = YES setting Second tag No speed Height = 2540mm Overhead No override 416 setting (100 inches) setting = YES settingSpeed = 1341 mm/sec (3 mph) Third tag No speed Height = 2540 mm OverheadNo override 417 setting (100 inches) setting = YES setting Speed = 1341mm/sec (3 mph) Fourth tag No speed No hardware Overhead No override 418setting setting setting = YES setting

In this non-limiting example, when the industrial vehicle 10 identifiesthe first tag 415, the vehicle controller 40 does not intervene in thecontrol of the industrial vehicle 10 along the aisle path 70. If theoverall height (i.e., topmost vertical point of the industrial vehicle10 above the vehicle travel plane p (FIG. 1A)) of the storage andretrieval hardware 20 exceeds the height setting of 2540 mm (100inches), the vehicle controller 40 will control the vehicle drivemechanism 25 (FIG. 1A) and/or brakes to the industrial truck to a stopin accordance with the speed settings. This will allow an industrialvehicle 10 to avoid an overhead obstruction by coming to a stop. It iscontemplated that an override sequence may be implemented to allow theindustrial vehicle 10 to move when the overall height of the storage andretrieval hardware 20 is above 2540 mm (100 inches) to allow a user tonegotiate the overhead obstruction. Further, whenever the vehiclecontroller 40 intervenes on the speed of the industrial vehicle 10 dueto the height of the storage and retrieval hardware 20, the displaydevice 37 (FIG. 1A) will display “Speed Zone” and generate an audibletone to indicate that vehicle functionality in the form of a speedsetting is implemented at the current location of the industrial vehicle10. As with previous examples, once the fourth tag 418 is identified,the display device 37 will no longer indicate “Speed Zone” and theindustrial vehicle 10 will operate normally.

Contrary to Example 3, in this example, the overhead height setting isactive (i.e., set to “YES”). The active overhead height setting meansthat the height setting under the hardware setting header is not theheight of the forks or load implement of the storage and retrievalhardware 20 as described in Example 3, but the overall height of thestorage and retrieval hardware 20. Overall height examples include thetop of the mast, lift carriage, etc. Specifically, the height settingunder the hardware setting as used in Example 3 is to reduce the risk oftipping or reduce excessive speed while a load on the storage andretrieval hardware is above a specified height. By contrast, the heightsetting in this example with the overhead setting set as activeindicates that there is an overhead obstruction (pipe, ductwork, roofgirders, roll-up door, etc.) that contact with is to be avoided.

Example 5 Height Setting

TABLE 5 Vehicle functionality for Example 5. Overhead Height Tag HeightSetting Setting Override Setting First tag No height setting No OverheadNo override setting 415 setting Second tag Height = 2540 mm No OverheadOverride setting: 416 (100 inches) setting Speed = 670 mm/sec (1.5 mph)Third tag Height = 2540 mm No Overhead Override setting: 417 (100inches) setting Speed = 670 mm/sec (1.5 mph) Fourth tag No height NoOverhead No override 418 setting setting setting

In this non-limiting example, when the industrial vehicle 10 identifiesthe first tag 415, the vehicle controller 40 does not intervene in thecontrol of the industrial vehicle 10 along the aisle path 70. When theindustrial vehicle 10 identifies the second tag 416, the vehiclecontroller 40 will control the vehicle drive mechanism 25 (FIG. 1A)and/or brakes to decelerate the truck to a stop if the height of thestorage and retrieval hardware 20 is above 2540 mm (100 inches).Further, the display device 37 (FIG. 1A) will display “Height Zone” andgenerate an audible tone to indicate that vehicle functionality in theform of a height setting is implemented at the current location of theindustrial vehicle 10 if a user is in control of the industrial vehicle10. If the user would like to have the industrial vehicle 10 move, theuser may either execute an override sequence or lower the storage andretrieval hardware 20 below 2540 mm (100 inches) to continue normaloperation. As another example of the override sequence for theseexamples, the override sequence consists of transitioning the vehiclespeed control device 24 (FIG. 1A) to neutral and the display device 37will indicate “Cutout, Use Override.” In this example of the overridesequence, the user will then actuate the override mechanism 26 (FIG. 1A)(e.g., momentary switch, touch screen radio button, or other means ofinstructing to override the current cutout without prolonged holding ofa button). The user may then transition/actuate the vehicle speedcontrol device 24 to the desired speed however, per the overridesettings, the vehicle controller 40 will intervene in any speeds of theindustrial vehicle 10 above 670 mm/sec (1.5 mph). Once the fourth tag418 is identified, the need for the override sequence is eliminated. Thedisplay device 37 will no longer indicate “Height Zone” and theindustrial vehicle 10 will operate normally. To reiterate with theseexamples, if the industrial vehicle is an AGV, the implemented vehiclefunctionality will control without an override sequence as theindustrial vehicle will automatically comply with the correlated vehiclefunctionality.

In another example, the overhead setting may be set to active (“YES”).The only difference between this example and Example 5 is the height atwhich the vehicle controller 40 intervenes on the control of theindustrial vehicle 10 (i.e., height of the forks versus the overallheight of the storage and retrieval hardware).

Example 6 Auto Hoist Zones

TABLE 6 Vehicle functionality for Example 6. Automatic PositioningOverride Tag System Setting Setting First tag 415 No hoist setting Nooverride setting Second tag 416 Hoist = lower No override only settingThird tag 417 Hoist = lower No override only setting Fourth tag 418 Nohoist setting No override setting

In this non-limiting example, vehicle functionality includes anAutomatic Positioning System setting. It may be desired to change thefunctionality of the Automatic Positioning System in a specifiedlocation of the building; the functionality of the Automatic PositioningSystem is discussed above. In other words, when the industrial vehicle10 identifies the second tag 416 and/or the third tag 417, the automaticcontrol of the industrial vehicle hardware to vertically position thestorage and retrieval hardware 20 and horizontally position theindustrial vehicle 10 to retrieve or place a load is changed. In thisexample, the Automatic Positioning System setting comprises a hoistsetting. The hoist setting is set to only allow the AutomaticPositioning System to automatically lower the storage and retrievalhardware 20 and not automatically raise it. Therefore, in second zone405, the vehicle controller 40 will automatically lower the storage andretrieval hardware 20 if a slot location on a shelf is below the currentheight (i.e., the height of the storage and retrieval hardware 20 atwhich the industrial vehicle 10 entered the second zone 405) of thestorage and retrieval hardware 20. If the Automatic Positioning Systemwas automatically raising the storage and retrieval hardware 20 whenentering the second zone 405, the storage and retrieval hardware 20 willcease to raise. While in the second zone 405, the display device 37(FIG. 1A) will display “Raise to Piece/Pallet” to indicate that the userneeds to manually raise the storage and retrieval hardware 20 to theslot location on the shelf. Alternatively, the hoist setting may be setto “Raise” or “None” instead of “Lower.” The “raise” indicates that thestorage and retrieval hardware 20 may only raise and “none” indicatesthat the Automatic Positioning System will not either “lower” or “raise”the storage and retrieval hardware and manual operation is required bythe user.

Example 7 Combined Settings

TABLE 7 Vehicle functionality for Example 7. Hardware Setting OverheadHeight Height Dependent Height Override Tag Speed Setting Setting SpeedSetting Setting Setting First tag No speed No height No hardware NoOverhead No override 415 setting setting setting setting setting Secondtag Speed = Height = Height = 1270 mm No Overhead Override 416 1341mm/sec 2540 mm (50 inches) setting setting: (3 mph) (100 inches) Speed =894 mm/sec Speed = (2 mph) 670 mm/sec (1.5 mph) Third tag Speed = Height= Height = 1270 mm No Overhead Override 417 1341 mm/sec 2540 mm (50inches) setting setting: (3 mph) (100 inches) Speed = 894 mm/sec Speed =(2 mph) 670 mm/sec (1.5 mph) Fourth tag No speed No height No hardwareNo Overhead No override 418 setting setting setting setting setting

In this non-limiting example, combinations of the above settings may beused. In the second zone 405, the speed of the industrial truck is setto operate at or below 1341 mm/sec (3 mph) as described in Example 1.The industrial vehicle will not be able to operate above this speedwhile in the second zone 405. Furthermore, the height of the storage andretrieval hardware 20 is set to operate at or below 2540 mm (100 inches)as described in Example 5. The user may use the override mechanism tolower the height of the storage and retrieval hardware 20 below 2540 mm(100 inches) to allow for normal operation within the second zone 405.The vehicle functionality table also indicates a height dependent speedsetting under the hardware setting header as described in Example 3 andthe override sequence as described in Example 2.

Auto Fence Examples

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 9, it is contemplated that every double row 118in the tag layout is positioned such that an industrial vehicle 10cannot approach a selected location of a building 150 withoutidentifying a function tag 100 correlated with vehicle functionality forthat selected location of the building 150. For example, and not by wayof limitation, the passage zone 121 will have vehicle functionalityimplemented such as, for example, a speed setting for the industrialvehicle 10, a lift height setting of the storage and retrieval hardware20, and/or an override speed setting and a first outer zone 122 and asecond outer zone 123 will allow for normal operation of the industrialvehicle 10.

Referring to FIG. 9, an industrial vehicle 10 is shown in relation to aset of double row 118 of function tags 100 bounding a passageway 155 ina building 150. Each double row 118 of function tags 100 comprises aninner row 125/127 and an outer row 126/128 of function tags 100. Forthis set of Auto Fence examples, and not by way of limitation, thefunction tags 100 in the first inner row 125 and second inner row 127have the same unique identification code defining vehicle functionalityfor a passage zone 121, all of the function tags 100 in the first outerrow 126 have the same unique identification code defining vehiclefunctionality for a first outer zone 122, and all of the function tags100 in the second outer row 128 have the same unique identification codedefining vehicle functionality for a second outer zone 123. It iscontemplated that the vehicle functionality correlated with each zonecan be changed by revising a single memory location corresponding to thecommon unique identification code.

For the purpose of understanding FIG. 9 in view of the below examples,the industrial vehicle 10 is traveling from left to right such that thetags are identified by the industrial vehicle 10 in the following order:the first outer row 126, the first inner row 125, the second inner row127, and lastly the second outer row 128. The vehicle functionality ofthe passage zone 121 will be implemented once a function tag 100 of theinner row 125 (or inner row 127 if traveling in a right to leftdirection) is identified and replaced with new vehicle functionality toinclude at least partial negation of the vehicle functionality of thepassage zone 121 when a function tag 100 of either outer row 126/128identified.

Example 8 Auto Fence Speed Settings, Non-Zero

TABLE 8 Vehicle functionality for Example 8. Tag Speed Setting Firstouter row 126 No speed setting First inner row 125 Speed = 894 mm/sec (2mph) Second inner row 127 Speed = 894 mm/sec (2 mph) Second outer row128 No speed setting

In this non-limiting example, when the industrial vehicle 10 identifiesthe first outer row 126, the vehicle controller 40 does not intervene inthe control of the industrial vehicle 10. When the industrial vehicle 10identifies the first inner row 125, if the industrial vehicle 10 istraveling at a speed greater than 894 mm/sec (2 mph), the vehiclecontroller 40 will control the vehicle drive mechanism 25 (FIG. 1A)and/or brakes to decelerate the truck to 894 mm/sec (2 mph) and maintainthat speed setting or slower until a subsequent identified tag changesthe speed setting. Further, the display device 37 (FIG. 1A) will display“Speed Zone” and generate an audible tone to indicate that vehiclefunctionality in the form of a speed setting is implemented at thecurrent location of the industrial vehicle 10. If the industrial vehicle10 is operated below 894 mm/sec (2 mph) than the vehicle controller 40does not intervene in the speed of the industrial vehicle 10. When thesecond inner row 127 is identified, the vehicle functionality isunchanged and the vehicle controller 40 continues to intervene asnecessary in accordance with TABLE 8. When the second outer row 128 isidentified, the vehicle controller 40 will no longer intervene with an894 mm/sec (2 mph) speed setting and the display device 37 will nolonger indicate a “Speed Zone.”

Example 9 Auto Fence Speed Setting, Zero

TABLE 9 Vehicle functionality for Example 9. Tag Speed Setting OverrideSetting First outer row 126 No speed setting No override setting Firstinner row 125 Speed = 0 mm/sec Override setting: (0 mph) Speed = 670mm/sec (1.5 mph) Second inner row 127 Speed = 0 mm/sec Override setting:(0 mph) Speed = 670 mm/sec (1.5 mph) Second outer row 128 No speedsetting No override setting

In this non-limiting example, when the industrial vehicle 10 identifiesthe first outer row 126, the vehicle controller 40 does not intervene inthe control of the industrial vehicle 10. When the industrial vehicle 10identifies the first inner row 125, the vehicle controller 40 willcontrol the vehicle drive mechanism 25 (FIG. 1A) and/or brakes todecelerate the truck to a stop. Further, the display device 37 (FIG. 1A)will display “Speed Zone” and generate an audible tone to indicate thatvehicle functionality in the form of a speed setting is implemented atthe current location of the industrial vehicle 10 if a user is incontrol of the industrial vehicle 10. If the user would like to have theindustrial vehicle 10 move, the user must execute an override sequence.For example, and not by way of limitation, the override sequenceconsists of transitioning the vehicle speed control device 24 (FIG. 1A)to neutral and the display device 37 will indicate “Cutout, UseOverride.” The user will then press and hold the override mechanism 26(FIG. 1A). The display device 37 will display “Speed Zone” and thevehicle controller 40 will intervene in any speeds above 670 mm/sec (1.5mph). The user may transition or actuate the vehicle speed controldevice 24 to indicate the desire for motion and the industrial vehiclewill move with a maximum speed of 670 mm/sec (1.5 mph). Once the secondouter row 128 is identified, the need for the override sequence iseliminated and the user may release the override mechanism 26. Thedisplay device 37 will no longer indicate “Speed Zone” and theindustrial vehicle 10 will operate normally.

If the user fails to transition the vehicle speed control device 24 toneutral after the industrial vehicle 10 comes to a stop and the displaydevice 37 indicates “Speed Zone,” the display device 37 will indicateinstructions to the user. For example, and not by way of limitation, thedisplay device 37 may indicate “Center Hand Controls.” Once the vehiclespeed control device 24 is transitioned to neutral, the overridesequence may be initiated. If, during the override sequence, the userreleases the override mechanism 26 while the industrial vehicle 10 ismoving, the display device 37 may indicate instructions to the user. Forexample, and not by way of limitation, the display device 37 mayindicate “Cutout, Use Override.” The industrial vehicle 10 will coastuntil the override mechanism 26 is pressed again.

Example 10 Height Dependent Speed Settings

TABLE 10 Vehicle functionality for Example 10. Hardware Setting HeightOverhead Speed Dependent Height Override Tag Setting Speed SettingSetting Setting First outer No speed No hardware No Overhead No overriderow 126 setting setting setting setting First inner No speed Height =1524 mm No Overhead No override row 125 setting (60 inches) settingsetting Speed = 894 mm/sec (2 mph) Second inner No speed Height = 1524mm No Overhead No override row 127 setting (60 inches) setting settingSpeed = 894 mm/sec (2 mph) Second outer No speed No hardware No OverheadNo override row 128 setting setting setting setting

In this non-limiting example, when the industrial vehicle 10 identifiesthe first outer row 126, the vehicle controller 40 does not intervene inthe control of the industrial vehicle 10. When the industrial vehicle 10identifies the first inner row 125, the vehicle controller 40 will sense(through sensors, data in memory, or the like) the height of the storageand retrieval hardware 20. The height setting in this example is definedas the height of the forks or the load implement of the storage andretrieval hardware 20. If the height of the storage and retrievalhardware 20 exceeds the height setting of 1524 mm (60 inches), thevehicle controller 40 will control the vehicle drive mechanism 25 (FIG.1A) to reduce the speed of the industrial truck to 894 mm/sec (2 mph).The user may operate the industrial vehicle 10 at or below 894 mm/sec (2mph) while the height of the storage and retrieval hardware 20 is at orabove 1524 mm (60 inches) before the second outer row 128 is identified.If the user lowers the storage and retrieval hardware 20 below 1524 mm(60 inches), then the vehicle controller 40 will not intervene in thespeed of the industrial vehicle 10 before the second outer row 128 isidentified. If, after the first inner row 125 or the second inner row127 is identified, the user subsequently raises the storage andretrieval hardware 20 above 1524 mm (60 inches), then the vehiclecontroller 40 will intervene in the speed of the industrial vehicle 10and decelerate the industrial vehicle 10 to 894 mm/sec (2 mph). Further,the display device 37 (FIG. 1A) will display “Speed Zone” and generatean audible tone to indicate that vehicle functionality in the form of aspeed setting is implemented at the current location of the industrialvehicle 10. The display of “Speed Zone” and generation of an audibletone will occur whenever the vehicle controller 40 intervenes on thespeed of the industrial vehicle 10 due to the height of the storage andretrieval hardware 20. In this example, although not used, it iscontemplated that an override sequence may be implemented to allowspeeds of the industrial vehicle 10 above 894 mm/sec (2 mph) when theheight of the storage and retrieval hardware 20 is above 1524 mm (60inches). Once the second outer row 128 is identified, the display device37 will no longer indicate “Speed Zone” and the industrial vehicle 10will operate normally.

Example 11 Height Dependent Speed Settings with Overhead Height Setting

TABLE 11 Vehicle functionality for Example 11. Hardware Setting HeightOverhead Speed Dependent Height Override Tag Setting Speed SettingSetting Setting First outer No speed No hardware Overhead No overriderow 126 setting setting setting = YES setting First inner No speedHeight = 2540 mm Overhead No override row 125 setting (100 inches)setting = YES setting Speed = 1341 mm/sec (3 mph) Second inner No speedHeight = 2540 mm Overhead No override row 127 setting (100 inches)setting = YES setting Speed = 1341 mm/sec (3 mph) Second outer No speedNo hardware Overhead No override row 128 setting setting setting = YESsetting

In this non-limiting example, when the industrial vehicle 10 identifiesthe first outer row 126, the vehicle controller 40 does not intervene inthe control of the industrial vehicle 10. If the overall height (i.e.,topmost vertical point of the industrial vehicle 10 above the vehicletravel plane p (FIG. 1A)) of the storage and retrieval hardware 20exceeds the height setting of 2540 mm (100 inches), the vehiclecontroller 40 will control the vehicle drive mechanism 25 (FIG. 1A)and/or brakes to the industrial truck to a stop in accordance with thespeed settings. This will allow an industrial vehicle 10 to avoid theoverhead obstruction by coming to a stop. It is contemplated that anoverride sequence may be implemented to allow the industrial vehicle 10to move when the overall height of the storage and retrieval hardware 20is above 2540 mm (100 inches) to allow a user to negotiate the overheadobstruction. Further, whenever the vehicle controller 40 intervenes onthe speed of the industrial vehicle 10 due to the height of the storageand retrieval hardware 20, the display device 37 (FIG. 1A) will display“Speed Zone” and generate an audible tone to indicate that vehiclefunctionality in the form of a speed setting is implemented at thecurrent location of the industrial vehicle 10. As with previousexamples, once the second outer row 128 is identified, the displaydevice 37 will no longer indicate “Speed Zone” and the industrialvehicle 10 will operate normally.

Example 12 Height Setting

TABLE 12 Vehicle functionality for Example 12. Overhead Height TagHeight Setting Setting Override Setting First outer No height NoOverhead No override setting row 126 setting setting First inner Height= No Overhead Override setting: row 125 2540 mm setting Speed = 670mm/sec (100 inches) (1.5 mph) Second inner Height = No Overhead Overridesetting: row 127 2540 mm setting Speed = 670 mm/sec (100 inches) (1.5mph) Second outer No height No Overhead No override setting row 128setting setting

In this non-limiting example, when the industrial vehicle 10 identifiesthe first outer row 126, the vehicle controller 40 does not intervene inthe user's control of the industrial vehicle 10. When the industrialvehicle 10 identifies the first inner row 125, the vehicle controller 40will control the vehicle drive mechanism 25 (FIG. 1A) and/or brakes todecelerate the truck to a stop if the height of the storage andretrieval hardware 20 is above 2540 mm (100 inches). Further, thedisplay device 37 (FIG. 1A) will display “Height Zone” and generate anaudible tone to indicate that vehicle functionality in the form of aheight setting is implemented at the current location of the industrialvehicle 10 if a user is in control of the industrial vehicle 10. If theuser would like to have the industrial vehicle 10 move, the user mayeither execute an override sequence or lower the storage and retrievalhardware 20 below 2540 mm (100 inches) to continue normal operation.Once the second outer row 128 is identified, the need for the overridesequence is eliminated. The display device 37 will no longer indicate“Height Zone” and the industrial vehicle 10 will operate normally.

Referring to FIG. 10, it is contemplated that, where a tag layout 50′comprises a plurality of tags 130 sequenced along an aisle path 70, thesequence of those tags 130 are in accordance with a sequence list thatis accessible to the reader module 35. Noting that a sequenced tag 130may not be functioning properly, i.e., due to physical damage, normalwear and tear, low battery power, installation error, or an error in thesequence list, the reader module 35 compares a succession of identifiedsequenced tags 130 with at least a portion of the accessible sequencelist to determine if the succession of sequenced tags 130 is in sequencealong the aisle path 70. The reader module 35 then generates a missingtag signal for a malfunctioning tag of the plurality of sequenced tags130 when the comparison indicates a sequence irregularity. It iscontemplated that each aisle path 70 may correspond to a sequence listspecific to the individual tags positioned along that aisle path 70.Each sequenced tag 130 corresponds to a unique identification code. Thesequence list corresponds to one or more memory locations 200 that arestored in a known order corresponding to the succession of the pluralityof sequenced tags 130 along the aisle path 70. Alternatively, it iscontemplated that a sequence list is specific to the entire tag layout50 (FIGS. 2A and 3). In one embodiment, the unique identification codescorresponding to the portion of the sequence list are loaded into cachememory 209 (FIG. 4).

Where a missing tag signal is generated, it is contemplated that thereader module 35 may correlate vehicle functionality with thecorresponding malfunctioning sequenced tag to enable the vehiclecontroller 40 to control operational functions of the industrial vehiclehardware in response to the correlation of vehicle functionality withthe malfunctioning sequenced tag. In this manner, the industrial truck10 can recognize that a sequenced tag 130 is malfunctioning and still beable to apply the appropriate vehicle functionality from the readermemory 205 for that malfunctioning sequenced tag. In other words, amalfunctioning sequenced tag will not hinder the operation of theindustrial truck 10 because the appropriate vehicle functionalityassociated with each sequenced tag 130 are stored in the reader memory,or elsewhere, and are not derived from the individual tag. Therefore, itis contemplated that the vehicle controller 40 controls operationalfunctions of the industrial vehicle hardware in response to (i) thecorrelation of vehicle functionality with the malfunctioning sequencedtag when a missing tag signal is generated, (ii) the correlation ofvehicle functionality with an identified tag in the tag layout (50 shownin FIGS. 2A and 3, and 50′ shown in FIG. 10), tag-dependent positionaldata, or both, (iii) user input at the user interface of the industrialvehicle 10, or (ii) combinations thereof.

More specifically, referring to FIG. 10, the individual tags of the taglayout 50′ comprise a plurality of tag pairs 135. Each tag pair of theplurality of tag pairs 135 comprises a primary tag 137 and a secondarytag 139 that are sequenced in the tag layout 50′ in accordance with thesequence list that is accessible to the reader module 35. The readermodule 35 compares the succession of an identified primary tag 137 andan identified secondary tag 139 with at least a portion of theaccessible sequence list to determine if the succession of the of tagpair 135 is in sequence in accordance with the sequence list. The readermodule 35 generates a missing tag signal for a primary tag 137 that ismalfunctioning or a secondary tag 139 that is malfunctioning when thecomparison of the succession of the identified primary tag 137 and theidentified secondary tag 139 with the sequence list indicates a sequenceirregularity in the tag pair 135.

The reader module 35 may correlate vehicle functionality, tag-dependentpositional data, or both, with an identified individual tag of the tagpair 135. For example, and not by way of limitation, the reader module35 may make the correlation with the secondary tag of the tag pair 135.In which case, when both tags in the tag pair 135 are identified, theprimary tag will be ignored for the purposes of correlating vehiclefunctionality, tag-dependent positional data, or combinations thereofwith the identified tag pair 135. It should be understood that theprimary tag 137 and the secondary tag 139 may be positioned in any orderin relation to each other along the aisle path 70 and the term “primary”means that that individual tag of the tag pair 135 is identified firstand “secondary” means that that individual tag is identified second. Asdiscussed hereinabove, it is contemplated that an individual tag in thetag layout may be correlated with different vehicle functionality,tag-dependent positional data, or both depending on travel direction ofthe industrial vehicle. For example, and not by limitation, the“primary” tag may be the “secondary” tag depending on the traveldirection of the industrial vehicle 10.

Although FIG. 10 illustrates particular examples of tag pairs, it iscontemplated that a variety of tags of a particular tag layout can bedesignated as respective individual tags of a tag pair 135. For example,and not by way of limitation, in the tag layout of FIG. 10, the tagpairs 135 can be readily distinguished from the remaining tags because amajority of the individual tags of the tag layout 50′ define a tagspacing s′ that is greater than the tag spacing s″ between the primarytag 137 and the secondary tag 139 of each tag pair 135. Stateddifferently, the tag pairs 135 are comprised of individual tags that arerelatively close to each other. In one embodiment, it is contemplatedthat the tag spacing s″ of each tag pair 135 may be set to fall betweenapproximately 2 inches (50 mm) and approximately 12 inches (305 mm). Inmore particular embodiments, it may be preferable to ensure that the tagspacing s″ is smaller, e.g., between approximately 9 inches (229 mm) andapproximately 11 inches (280 mm). For example, and not by way oflimitation, it is contemplated that a tag spacing s″ of about 10 inches(254 mm) would permit reliable identification of malfunctioning tagsunder many expected operating parameters.

It should be understood that, although a single aisle path 70 isdescribed, the tag layout 50′ may comprise multiple aisle paths 70, asshown, for example, in FIG. 2A. It should also be understood that any ofa variety of tags in a particular tag layout may be replaced by a tagpair 135 having a primary tag and a secondary tag, each occupying thesame position and having the same functionality as the respectiveindividual tags replaced by the tag pair 135. For example, and not bylimitation, select ones of the plurality of tag pairs 135 may comprise apair of aisle entry tags 75, a pair of aisle extension tags 110, a pairof aisle group tags 55, a pair of zone tags 60, a pair of restrictedperipheral tags 105, or a pair of unrestricted peripheral tags 100, orcombinations thereof; the respective positioning and functionality ofwhich is described in detail above.

Referring to FIG. 11, it is contemplated that when a malfunctioning tagin the tag pair 135 is identified, either by a sequence irregularity ornot identifying an individual tag after a specified travel distance hasbeen met (described hereinbelow), the reader module 35 (FIG. 4) advancesor retards the reader memory 205 one memory location 200 from the memorylocation 200 corresponding to the primary tag 137 to the memory location200 corresponding the secondary tag 139 when comparison of thesuccession of the primary tag 137 and the secondary tag 139 with thesequence list indicates a sequence irregularity in the plurality of tagpairs 135 or when an error distance measurement threshold is exceeded bythe tag distance measurement L′ (FIG. 12). In one embodiment, the errordistance measurement threshold may correspond to a position of thesecondary tag 139 along the aisle path 70. The advancement orretardation from the memory location 200 corresponding to the primarytag 137 is dependent on a travel direction of the industrial vehicle 10(FIG. 1A) along the aisle path 70 (FIG. 2B). The reader module 35 willcorrelate vehicle functionality with a current location of theindustrial vehicle 10 and the vehicle controller 40 (FIG. 1B) willcontrol the operational functions of the industrial vehicle hardware inresponse to the correlation of vehicle functionality with the currentlocation of the industrial vehicle 10. It should be understood that theability to predict a next tag by either advancing or retarding thememory locations 200 of the reader memory 205 may be applied to any setof sequence tags (i.e., the unique set of zone tags 65, FIG. 2B) and isnot limited to tag pairs 135.

Referring to FIG. 12, the industrial truck 10 measures a travel distancefrom an identified primary tag 137. It should be understood that thetravel distance is measured in both directions along an aisle path 70.As used throughout, the terms “forward”/“reverse” and“positive”/“negative” may be used interchangeably and are indicators oftravel direction which are opposite directions to each other. The tagdistance measurement L′ is a travel distance measurement from anidentified primary tag 137 towards the secondary tag 139. Referring nowto FIG. 11 in addition to FIG. 12, in one embodiment, the reader module35 (FIG. 1B) may not generate a missing tag signal when the traveldistance measurement exceeds a tag threshold. Specifically, if theindustrial vehicle 10 reverses direction after identifying the primarytag 137, the reader module may not generate a missing tag signal if apre-tag distance threshold L″ is exceeded by the tag distancemeasurement. The reader module 35 will check the make sure that thevehicle functionality and/or the tag-dependent positional data iscorrect in the cache memory 209 (FIG. 4). If the cache memory 209 iscorrect, the reader module 35 will wait until a primary tag 137 isidentified. If the cache memory 209 is not correct, a missing tag signalis generated and a fault condition occurs as described hereinafter. Thereader module also will not generate a missing tag signal if a post-tagdistance threshold L′″ is exceeded by the tag distance measurement. Inthis example, the post-distance threshold L′″ is measured from anidentified secondary tag 139.

Referring to FIG. 6, the sequence list is a known order of one or morememory locations 200 corresponding to the succession of the plurality ofsequenced tags 130 (FIG. 10) along the aisle path 70. In one embodiment,the industrial vehicle 10 (FIG. 1A) derives its travel direction alongrespective aisle paths 70 from the sequence of identified sequenced tags130 and generates a travel direction signal indicative of the directionof travel of the industrial vehicle 10 along respective aisle paths 70.The individual tags of the tag layout 50 may have their tag positioncoordinates listed in the tag position data in reader memory 205. Forexample, and not by limitation, the tag position coordinates may beCartesian coordinates with an origin positioned within the building 95(FIG. 2A). The industrial truck uses the tag position data to locateitself and derive its direction of travel based on whether thesuccession of identified tag position coordinates is increasing,decreasing, or combinations thereof. In other words, the sequence ofidentified sequenced tags 130 and their corresponding tag position datamay be used to derive a travel direction of the industrial truck 10. Itshould also be understood that tag position data in reader memory 205 isnot the same as tag-dependent positional data derived from identifiedtags. In one embodiment, the industrial vehicle 10 may derive itsposition from tag position data correlated an identified individual tagof the tag layout 50.

Referring to FIG. 13, it is contemplated that a fault state in the taglayout 50 (FIGS. 2A and 3) is indicated when a missing tag signal isgenerated. When the missing tag signal is generated, the vehiclecontroller 40 (FIG. 1B) may reduce a traveling speed of the vehicledrive mechanism 25 (FIG. 1A) to zero. In other words, it is contemplatedthat when a missing tag signal is generated, the vehicle controller 40will bring the industrial vehicle 10 to a stop. The vehicle controller40 may transition the vehicle drive mechanism 25 to neutral afterbringing the industrial vehicle 10 to a stop. To clear the fault state,it may require a user, using the user interface, to transition thevehicle drive mechanism 25 from neutral. For example, and not bylimitation, the user of the industrial vehicle 10 may need to manuallycontrol the industrial vehicle 10. In one embodiment, the user willmanually control the industrial vehicle 10 until an individual tag ofthe tag layout 50 is identified.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 11 the vehicle controller 40 may sendmalfunction information to the remote computer 250 when a missing tagsignal is generated. The malfunction information may comprise tagposition data corresponding to a location of the malfunctioning sequencetag 130 in the tag layout 50. In one embodiment, the remote computer 250indicates that a sequenced tag 130 is malfunctioning and provides thetag position data on a map indicative of the position of the sequencedtag 130 that is malfunctioning in the tag layout 50. In anotherembodiment, the vehicle controller 40 sends malfunction information tothe display device 37 when a missing tag signal is generated. In oneembodiment, the remote computer 250 generates an email to a servicetechnician with a notification of the malfunctioning sequenced tag inthe tag layout.

It is noted that recitations herein of “at least one” component,element, etc., or “one or more” component, element, etc., should not beused to create an inference that the alternative use of the articles “a”or “an” should be limited to a single component, element, etc.

It is noted that recitations herein of a component of the presentdisclosure being configured in a particular way or to embody aparticular property, or function in a particular manner, are structuralrecitations, as opposed to recitations of intended use. Morespecifically, the references herein to the manner in which a componentis “configured” denotes an existing physical condition of the componentand, as such, is to be taken as a definite recitation of the structuralcharacteristics of the component.

For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it isnoted that the terms “substantially,” “about,” and “approximately” areutilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that maybe attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, orother representation. The terms “substantially,” “about,” and“approximately” are also utilized herein to represent the degree bywhich a quantitative representation may vary from a stated referencewithout resulting in a change in the basic function of the subjectmatter at issue. For example, the distance between the tag reader andthe travel plane may vary depending on the industrial vehicle design andthe amount of power used by the tag reader to interrogate the individualtags.

It is noted that terms like “preferably,” “commonly,” and “typically,”when utilized herein, are not utilized to limit the scope of the claimedinvention or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, oreven important to the structure or function of the claimed invention.Rather, these terms are merely intended to identify particular aspectsof an embodiment of the present disclosure or to emphasize alternativeor additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particularembodiment of the present disclosure.

Having described the subject matter of the present disclosure in detailand by reference to specific embodiments thereof, it is noted that thevarious details disclosed herein should not be taken to imply that thesedetails relate to elements that are essential components of the variousembodiments described herein, even in cases where a particular elementis illustrated in each of the drawings that accompany the presentdescription. Further, it will be apparent that modifications andvariations are possible without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure, including, but not limited to, embodiments defined in theappended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the presentdisclosure are identified herein as preferred or particularlyadvantageous, it is contemplated that the present disclosure is notnecessarily limited to these aspects.

It is noted that one or more of the following claims utilize the terms“wherein” or “by” as a transitional phrase. For the purposes of definingthe present invention, it is noted that these terms are introduced inthe claims as open-ended transitional phrases to be interpreted in likemanner as the more commonly used open-ended transitional term“comprising.”

What is claimed is:
 1. An industrial vehicle comprising industrialvehicle hardware, a tag reader, a reader module, a user interface, and avehicle controller wherein: the industrial vehicle hardware comprisesstorage and retrieval hardware and a vehicle drive mechanism; the tagreader and the reader module cooperate to identify individual tags of atag layout; the individual tags of the tag layout comprise a pluralityof sequenced tags; the plurality of sequenced tags are sequenced alongan aisle path in accordance with a sequence list that is accessible tothe reader module; the reader module compares a succession of identifiedsequenced tags with at least a portion of the accessible sequence listto determine if the succession of sequenced tags is in sequence alongthe aisle path in accordance with the sequence list, generates a missingtag signal for a malfunctioning sequenced tag when the comparison of thesuccession of sequenced tags with the sequence list indicates a sequenceirregularity in the plurality of sequenced tags, correlates vehiclefunctionality with the malfunctioning sequenced tag when a missing tagsignal is generated, and correlates vehicle functionality with anidentified tag in the tag layout, tag-dependent positional data derivedfrom the identified tag in the tag layout, or both; and the vehiclecontroller controls operational functions of the industrial vehiclehardware in response to (i) the correlation of vehicle functionalitywith the malfunctioning sequenced tag when a missing tag signal isgenerated, (ii) the correlation of vehicle functionality with anidentified tag in the tag layout, tag-dependent positional data, orboth, (iii) user input at the user interface of the industrial vehicle,or (iv) combinations thereof.
 2. The industrial vehicle as claimed inclaim 1 wherein: the reader module comprises a reader memory coupled toa reader processor; each individual tag of the tag layout corresponds toa unique identification code; each unique identification codecorresponds to a memory location in the reader memory; each memorylocation comprises at least one of indexing data, operational data; andtag positional data; the memory locations in the reader memory arestored in a known order corresponding to the sequence of the sequencedtags; the reader module advances or retards the reader memory one memorylocation from the memory location corresponding to the identifiedsequenced tag when comparison of the succession of the plurality ofsequenced tags with the sequence list indicates a sequence irregularityin the plurality of sequenced tags, and correlates vehicle functionalitywith a current location of the industrial vehicle; and the advancementor retardation from the memory location corresponding to the identifiedsequenced tag is dependent on a travel direction of the industrialvehicle along the aisle path.
 3. The industrial vehicle as claimed inclaim 1 wherein: the reader module comprises a reader memory coupled toa reader processor; each individual tag of the tag layout corresponds toa unique identification code; each unique identification codecorresponds to a memory location in the reader memory; each memorylocation comprises at least one of indexing data, operational data; andtag positional data; respective aisle paths comprise end points;individual tags of the tag layout comprise programmable tags; individualprogrammable tags are positioned at respective end points of the aislepaths; the unique identification codes of the programmable tags compriseone or more bit locations; the bit locations of each uniqueidentification code comprises a diagnostic bit; and the reader modulegenerates the missing tag signal for the malfunctioning individual tagof the tag layout along the aisle path when the diagnostic bit isenabled.
 4. The industrial vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein: thereader module comprises a reader memory coupled to a reader processor;each individual tag of the tag layout corresponds to a uniqueidentification code; each unique identification code corresponds to amemory location in the reader memory; each memory location comprises atleast one of indexing data, operational data; and tag positional data;individual tags of the tag layout comprise programmable tags; the uniqueidentification codes of the programmable tags comprise one or more bitlocations; the bit locations of each unique identification codecomprises a zone bit; the zone bit indicates a zone in the tag layout inwhich the individual programmable tag is positioned; and the readermodule records the zone from the zone bit of the last identifiedindividual programmable tag of the tag layout when a missing tag signalis generated.
 5. The industrial vehicle as claimed in claim 1 whereinthe plurality of sequenced tags comprises a plurality of zone tagssequenced along the aisle path.
 6. The industrial vehicle as claimed inclaim 1 wherein in response to the missing tag signal, the vehiclecontroller reduces a traveling speed of the industrial vehicle to zero.7. The industrial vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein: in response tothe missing tag signal, the vehicle controller transitions the vehicledrive mechanism to neutral; and the generation of the missing tag signalceases when the vehicle drive mechanism is transitioned from neutral inresponse to user input at the user interface of the industrial vehicle.8. The industrial vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein: the individualtags of the tag layout comprise a plurality of tag pairs; the individualtags of the tag pair comprise a primary tag and a secondary tag; theplurality of sequenced tags define a tag spacing that is greater than atag spacing between the primary tag and the secondary tag of each tagpair; the primary tag and the secondary tag are sequenced in the taglayout in accordance with a portion of the sequence list that isaccessible to the reader module; and the reader module correlatesvehicle functionality with an identified individual tag of the tag pair,compares a succession of the identified primary tag and the identifiedsecondary tag with at least a portion of the accessible sequence list todetermine if the succession of the primary tag and the secondary tag arein sequence along the aisle path in accordance with the sequence list,and generates a missing tag signal when the comparison of the successionof the primary tag and the secondary tag with the sequence listindicates a sequence irregularity in the plurality of tag pairs.
 9. Theindustrial vehicle as claimed in claim 8 wherein: the primary tag is thefirst identified individual tag of the tag pair; and the secondary tagis the second identified tag of the tag pair.
 10. The industrial vehicleas claimed in claim 8 wherein the reader module correlates vehiclefunctionality with an identified secondary tag.
 11. The industrialvehicle as claimed in claim 8 wherein select ones of the plurality oftag pairs comprise one or more aisle entry tag pairs, aisle extensiontag pairs, aisle group tags pairs, peripheral tag pairs, or unrestrictedperipheral tag pairs.
 12. The industrial vehicle as claimed in claim 8wherein: the reader module comprises a reader memory coupled to a readerprocessor; each individual tag of the tag layout corresponds to a uniqueidentification code; each unique identification code corresponds to amemory location in the reader memory; each memory location comprises atleast one of indexing data, operational data, and positional data; thememory locations in the reader memory are stored in a known ordercorresponding to the sequence of the tag pair; the industrial vehiclehardware comprises a travel distance sensor; the travel distance sensormeasures a tag distance from an identified primary tag; the readermodule advances or retards reader memory one memory location from thememory location corresponding to the identified primary tag to thememory location corresponding to the secondary tag when an errordistance measurement threshold is exceeded by the tag distancemeasurement, and correlates vehicle functionality corresponding to thesecondary tag with a current location of the industrial vehicle; and theadvancement or retardation from the memory location corresponding to theidentified primary tag is dependent on a travel direction of theindustrial vehicle along the aisle path.
 13. The industrial vehicle asclaimed in claim 8 wherein: the reader module comprises a reader memorycoupled to a reader processor; each individual tag of the tag layoutcorresponds to a unique identification code; each unique identificationcode corresponds to a memory location in the reader memory; each memorylocation comprises at least one of indexing data, operational data, andpositional data; the memory locations in the reader memory are stored ina known order corresponding to the sequence of the tag pair; theindustrial vehicle hardware comprises a travel distance sensor; thetravel distance sensor measures a tag distance from an identifiedprimary tag; the reader module compares the tag distance to a pre-tagdistance threshold if the primary tag is identified a second timeindicating the industrial vehicle has reversed direction, andcorresponds vehicle functionality to the individual tag of the tag loutidentified before the identified primary tag; and the pre-tag distancethreshold is a travel distance before the identified primary tag alongthe industrial vehicle's travel direction.
 14. The industrial vehicle asclaimed in claim 8 wherein: the reader module comprises a reader memorycoupled to a reader processor; each individual tag of the tag layoutcorresponds to a unique identification code; each unique identificationcode corresponds to a memory location in the reader memory; each memorylocation comprises at least one of indexing data, operational data, andpositional data; the memory locations in the reader memory are stored ina known order corresponding to the sequence of the tag pair; theindustrial vehicle hardware comprises a travel distance sensor; thetravel distance sensor measures a tag distance from an identifiedprimary tag; the reader module compares the tag distance to a post-tagdistance threshold after the secondary tag is identified, and correlatesvehicle functionality with the identified secondary tag; and thepost-tag distance threshold is a travel distance after a position of anidentified secondary tag along the industrial vehicle's traveldirection.
 15. An industrial vehicle comprising industrial vehiclehardware, a tag reader, a reader module, a user interface, and a vehiclecontroller wherein: the industrial vehicle hardware comprises storageand retrieval hardware, a vehicle drive mechanism, and a travel distancesensor; the tag reader and the reader module cooperate to identifyindividual tags of a tag layout; the individual tags of the tag layoutcomprise a plurality of sequenced tags; the plurality of sequenced tagsare sequenced along an aisle path in accordance with a sequence listthat is accessible to the reader module; the reader module comprises areader memory coupled to a reader processor; each individual tag of thetag layout corresponds to a memory location in the reader memory; thememory locations in the reader memory are stored in a known ordercorresponding to the sequence of the sequenced tags; the travel distancesensor measures a tag distance from an identified sequence tag; thereader module advances or retards the reader memory one memory locationto a new memory location from the memory location corresponding to theidentified sequence tag when an error distance measurement threshold isexceeded by the tag distance measurement, and correlates vehiclefunctionality corresponding to the new memory location with a currentlocation of the industrial vehicle; the advancement or retardation fromthe memory location corresponding to the identified sequence tag isdependent on a travel direction of the industrial vehicle along theaisle path; and the vehicle controller controls operational functions ofthe industrial vehicle hardware in response to (i) the correlation ofvehicle functionality with the new memory location, (ii) the correlationof vehicle functionality with an identified tag in the tag layout,tag-dependent positional data, or both, (iii) user input at the userinterface of the industrial vehicle, or (iv) combinations thereof. 16.The industrial vehicle as claimed in claim 15 wherein the reader modulegenerates a missing tag signal when the tag distance measurement exceedsthe error distance measurement threshold before the secondary tag isidentified.
 17. The industrial vehicle as claimed in claim 15 whereinthe error distance measurement threshold corresponds to a position ofthe next sequenced tag along the aisle path after the identifiedsequenced tag.
 18. An industrial vehicle comprising storage andretrieval hardware, a tag reader, a reader module, and a vehiclecontroller, wherein: the storage and retrieval hardware is configured tostore and retrieve items from selected storage elements positioned alongan aisle path; the tag reader and the reader module cooperate toidentify individual tags along the aisle path; the individual tags ofthe tag layout comprise a plurality of sequenced tags; the plurality ofsequenced tags are sequenced along an aisle path in accordance with asequence list that is accessible to the reader module; the tag readerand the reader module further cooperate to generate a travel directionsignal from a succession of identified sequence tags; the reader modulecompares a succession of identified sequenced tags with at least aportion of the accessible sequence list, derives a travel direction ofthe industrial vehicle along respective aisle paths from the successionof identified sequenced tags, and generates a travel direction signalindicative of the industrial vehicle along respective aisle paths; andthe vehicle controller controls operational functions of the storage andretrieval hardware partially as a function of the travel directionsignal.
 19. A system comprising a remote computer and an industrialvehicle, wherein: the industrial vehicle comprises industrial vehiclehardware, a user interface, a tag reader, a reader module, and a vehiclecontroller; the industrial vehicle hardware comprises storage andretrieval hardware and a vehicle drive mechanism; the tag reader and thereader module cooperate to identify individual tags of a tag layout; theindividual tags of the tag layout comprise a plurality of sequencedtags; the plurality of sequenced tags are sequenced along an aisle pathin accordance with a sequence list that is accessible to the readermodule; the reader module compares a succession of identified sequencedtags with at least a portion of the accessible sequence list todetermine if the succession of sequenced tags is in sequence along theaisle path in accordance with the sequence list, generates a missing tagsignal for a malfunctioning sequenced tag when the comparison of thesuccession of sequenced tags with the sequence list indicates a sequenceirregularity in the plurality of sequenced tags, correlates vehiclefunctionality with the malfunctioning sequenced tag when a missing tagsignal is generated, and correlates vehicle functionality with anidentified tag in the tag layout, tag-dependent positional data derivedfrom the identified tag in the tag layout, or both; the remote computercomprises a computer memory; the remote computer is communicativelycoupled to the vehicle controller; the vehicle controller sendsmalfunction information to the remote computer when the missing tagsignal is generated; and the vehicle controller controls operationalfunctions of the industrial vehicle hardware in response to (i) thecorrelation of vehicle functionality with the malfunctioning sequencedtag when a missing tag signal is generated, (ii) the correlation ofvehicle functionality with an identified tag in the tag layout,tag-dependent positional data, or both, (iii) user input at the userinterface of the industrial vehicle, or (iv) combinations thereof. 20.The system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the remote computer comprisesa warehouse management system.
 21. The industrial vehicle as claimed inclaim 19 wherein: the malfunction information comprises tag positiondata corresponding to a location of the malfunctioning sequence tag inthe tag layout; and the remote computer indicates a sequenced tag ismalfunctioning.
 22. The industrial vehicle as claimed in claim 21wherein the remote computer provides tag position data on a mapindicative of the position of the malfunctioning sequenced tag in thetag layout.
 23. The industrial vehicle as claimed in claim 19 whereinthe remote computer generates an email to a service technician with anotification of the malfunctioning sequenced tag in the tag layout.